George Cole

His successful film career began in the 1940s, appearing with Alastair Sim and Sir John Mills in the film Bombsight Stolen (1941).

Accompanied a pal to an audition but finished up getting the part instead of his pal. That was for the play "Cottage to Let", which led to his appearance in the film, Bombsight Stolen (1941). [1940]

Joined RAF in 1943 training as a wireless operator at Cardington until it was discovered that his eyesight wasn't good enough. Transferred to Coastal Command H.Q. in Northwood for a year then posted to Germany where he ran the officers' mess bar.

Further success came throughout the 1950s and 1960s, where he played the part of "Flash Harry" in the popular "St Trinians" films, alongside his close friend and mentor, Alastair Sim.

Along with Michael Ripper, he is one of only two actors to appear in all four of the original "St. Trinian's" films: The Belles of St. Trinian's (1954), Blue Murder at St. Trinian's (1957), The Pure Hell of St. Trinian's (1960) and The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery (1966).

He was meant to star in the film The Baby and the Battleship (1956) but walked out which led to his co star Jon Pertwee also being replaced.

By 1963, Hollywood had recognized the talents of Cole and he was cast in the iconic film, Cleopatra (1963), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison.

During the 1970s, George continued to star in films and television programmes, becoming a regular and sought after actor.

It is interesting to note that, in 1971, he appeared with Dennis Waterman (who would later become his Minder (1979) co-star) in the horror film, Fright (1971).

George Cole OBE was a veteran British film, television and stage actor whose impressive career spanned over 60 years. For many, he will perhaps be best remembered for playing one of the most endearing characters of recent times on British television, "Arthur Daley", the shifty but very likable "business man" in the hit ITV drama series, Minder (1979). However, Cole had long been a household name well before "Minder" aired on television.

In 1979, Cole was cast as the hapless "Arthur Daley", a self-professed entrepreneur in the ITV drama Minder (1979), a role he played until 1994. The role showcased Cole's acting prowess and brought him to the attention of a younger audience.

Became a pop star in 1983 when his duet with Dennis Waterman, "What Are We Gonna Get 'Er Indoors?", reached the number 21 position on the UK chart.

He was considered for the roles of Dr. Armstrong and Sir Percy Heseltine in Lifeforce (1985).

He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1992 Queen's New Year Honours List for his services to drama.

The Minder (1979) theme song, "I Could Be So Good for You", was played at his funeral at Reading Crematorium on 13 August 2015, where his co-star Dennis Waterman gave a eulogy and said of the time they worked together on Minder "We laughed all day long, every day".