James “Jimmy” Perry was born on September 20, 1923, and died on October 23, 2016.
He was an English actor and scriptwriter.
He was best known for devising and co-writing the BBC sitcoms Dad’s Army (1968–1977), It Ain’t Half Hot Mum (1974–1981), Hi-De-Hi (1980–1988) and You Rang M’Lord? (1988–1993), all with David Croft.
Even though he was best known for his comedy writing, Perry has also experienced musical success, composing the signature tunes to all of the above comedy series.
The most popular of these, the theme tune for Dad’s Army, “Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr Hitler?”, won the Ivor Novello Award in 1971 for Best TV Signature Tune.
In the early 1960s, he was actor-manager at the Watford Repertory Theatre, a role (perhaps intentionally) emphasised by his penchant for heavy checked tweeds, Inverness cape and deerstalker cap.
He received the OBE in 1978.
During 1953, Perry married the actress Gilda Neeltje, sister of the actress Diane Holland.
Jimmy Perry passed away at 93 years old.