‘Are You Being Served?’ star Nicholas Smith has died.
The actor passed away at the age of 81 in hospital on Sunday (07.12.15), seven weeks after suffering a fall at his home.
Smith was best known for playing Grace Brothers department store manager Mr Cuthbert ‘Jug Ears’ Rumbold in the much-loved BBC sitcom, which ran for 10 series from 1972 until 1985.
Agent Michelle Braidman Associates released a statement which read: "It is with great sadness we can confirm that our client, the actor Nicholas Smith, has passed away. He was a lovely man and a terrific actor. He will be much missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family."
Smith was the last surviving member of the original ‘Are You Being Served?’ cast – which also included Wendy Richard, who played shop assistant Miss Brahms, Mollie Sugden as Mrs. Slocombe and John Inman who portrayed Mr. Humphries.
He returned to the role of Mr. Rumbold in the early 90s for the short-lived sequel series ‘Grace & Favour’.
Smith enjoyed a varied and successful acting career and other notable work included an appearance in 1964 ‘Doctor Who’ story ‘The Dalek Invasion of Earth’ and parts in ‘Z Cars’ and ‘Ace of Wands’.
One of his last TV roles came in 2008 when he played a vicar in ‘Last of the Summer Wine’.
Smith is survived by his actress daughter Catherine Russell, who plays Serena Campbell in ‘Holby City’.
Are You Being Served? star Nicholas Smith dies
