John Devon Roland Pertwee
was born in Chelsea, London on the 7th July 1919. His surname Pertwee was an
anglicisation of the French surname "de Perthuis de Laillevault"! He
was the son of screenwriter and actor Roland Pertwee and also the distant
cousin of actor Bill Pertwee. His Mother, Avice Scholtz, broke up with his
father when Jon was still young. The actor Henry Ainley was a close friend of
Jon's father, and coincidentally was the father of Anthony Ainley who would of
course one day act as the Master in Doctor Who, including a special 20th
anniversary tale, The Five Doctors, where he appeared alongside Jon on screen.
John went by the name Jon
Pertwee through his acting career. He reportedly used this spelling as he was
fed up of his name always being misspelt by all and sundry. Jon was also an
avid fan of sports, particularly water sports.
Jon was educated at
several schools, and most of which he was also expelled from! His schools
included Frensham Heights School in Surrey, and Sherborne School in Dorset.
Soon after he completed his schooling Jon joined the Royal Academy of Dramatic
Arts (RADA) where he was also to wind up being expelled because he did not wish
to be cast as a Greek "Wind" during one of the lessons. Jon claimed
this to be nothing short of a waste of his time and his father's money. He was
also accused of writing graffiti about his tutors on the lavatory walls!
Jon also performed for a
short time in a school's circus where he rode "The Wall of Death" on
a motorbike with none other than a toothless lion in the passenger sidecar.
After a small stint in repertory theatre he was then contracted by the BBC as
as actor.
With the event of the
Second World War Jon spent six years working in the Royal Navy. He served
aboard HMS Hood and he was transferred off the ship just three days before it
was sunk by the German Battleship Bismarck, where all but three men of the crew
tragically lost their lives. Jon was then seconded to the very secretive Naval
Intelligence Service where he worked with none other than James Bond creator
Ian Fleming. His work within this service also meant he reported directly to
Winston Churchill and the Deputy Prime Minister Clement Atlee.
Jon in an interview is
quoted as saying: "I did all sorts.
Teaching commandos how to use escapology equipment, compasses in brass buttons,
secret maps in white cotton handkerchiefs, pipes you could smoke that also
fired a .22 bullet. All sorts of incredible things."
It was soon after the war
ended that Jon first became associated with comedy. Perhaps his most fondly
recalled comedy show for radio that he recorded for over 17 years was The Navy
Lark. During these years his main role was that of Chief Petty Officer Pertwee.
Other stars of huge renown who appeared with him in The Navy Lark included
Ronnie Barker and Judy Cornwell. In a funny coincidence, one of the lesser
known characters Jon played in The Navy Lark was a villainous character called
the Master, the self-same name given to the Doctor's long-time arch enemy in the
BBC's Doctor Who!
Another notable film
appearance for Jon was as Charlie Stirling in the 1953 movie “Will Any
Gentleman?", which coincidentally also featured future first Doctor Who
William Hartnell as Inspector Martin.
On the stage, he played
the role of Lycus in the 1963 London production of A Funny Thing Happened on
the Way to the Forum with Frankie Howerd and he then appeared in the slightly
smaller role of Crassus in the 1966 film version. He appeared as Sidney Tait in
the comedy film "Ladies Who Do" (1963). In 1966, Jon starred
alongside Donald Sinden in the original West End production of the long-running
comedy "There's a Girl in My Soup" and in this period appeared in
several of the world renowned Carry On films: Carry On Cleo (1964), as the
soothsayer; Carry On Cowboy (1965) as Sheriff Earp; and Carry On Screaming!
(1966) as Dr. Fettle. (Carry On Columbus, with Jon in his fourth and final
Carry On role, this time as the Duke of Costa Brava, was released in 1992). In
1967, he was first chosen by Dad's Army producer David Croft for the role of
Captain George Mainwaring, but Jon declined the role – because he preferred to
extend his role on Broadway in There's a Girl in My Soup
Jon also appeared in the
Avengers Episode "From Venus With Love" and with the Goodies in the
episode "Wacky Wales."
Then in 1969 just prior to
his relinquishing his producership of the series of Doctor Who, Peter Bryant
cast Jon as the Third Doctor, to take over from Patrick Troughton who was set
to leave the show with a ten-episode epic story "The War Games". Jon
was originally Peter's second choice for the role, but his first choice, Ron
Moody proved unavailable and so Jon took on the mantle of the Doctor. Jon
imbued his Doctor with a love of gadgets and cars.
The yellow Roadster Bessie
being one of his most famous vehicles, although there was also the Whomobile.
He also had an intensely moral core, and also was more than any of the Doctor's
previously a man of action. He also locked horns with several unsavoury
political types to which he constantly gave short shrift! His embodiment of the
Doctor was one of the first I truly fell in love with as a child. I can never
thank Jon enough for how his dashing dandy character did good in the universe
up until the events of his swansong, Planet of the Spiders in 1974. During
Jon's era the show's popularity skyrocketed, with audiences of ten million
frequently tuning in to watch his wonderful escapades under the affirmed and
superb producership of Barry Letts. The Jon era to this day is fondly recalled
as one of the best and most enduring periods of the show’s history. He struck
up an instant rapport with all his co-stars, especially Katy Manning (Jo
Grant), Nicholas Courtney (The Brigadier), The Master (Roger Delgado), John
Levene (Sergeant Benton) and Richard Franklin (Mike Yates). It was in fact
mainly down to the tragic death of Roger Delgado that Jon finally felt
compelled to leave the role of the Doctor and the fact that Katy Manning left
the show in 1973.
Jon would return to the
role again though for the aforementioned twentieth anniversary special The Five
Doctors. He would also be instrumental in helping to get Doctor Who into the
radio medium. The Paradise of Death and The Ghosts of N Space were the only two
stories for radio Jon managed to complete before he sadly passed away. Jon also
appeared in the stage show "The Ultimate Adventure", which went down
as a bit of a pantomime but hugely enjoyable nonetheless. One amusing incident
Jon related in interview sometime was how the TARDIS console on stage started
to slide all over the place and he, still in full Doctor but ad-libbing
valiantly, ordered it to return to him! Due to poor health though Jon had to
sadly bow out of the Ultimate Adventure half way through its run, and Colin
Baker, the sixth Doctor actor, took over the part of the Doctor. He also graced
the spin off The Airzone Solution playing the character Oliver Tretheway in
1993. And several of his lines from the show were used in the Lego Dimensions
Games released in 2015.
Jon also appeared in the
Children in Need Special "Dimensions in Time" where he helps to foil
a scheme by Kate O Mara's Rani.
Shortly after completing
Doctor Who, Jon became fascinated with the character of Worzel Gummidge. After
several attempts to gauge interest in the character from several TV stations,
he finally found a willing receptacle in Southern Television, who saw the
potential of the character. Under the superb guidance of James Hill as
producer, and the wonderful scripting craft of Keith Waterhouse and Willis
Hall, an instant hit show was born again. Worzel was mischievous and naughty,
but immensely lovable. His unrequited love for Una Stubb's love to hate Aunt
Sally frequently brought tears to my eyes. Jon was utterly captivating and
alluring as Worzel. Indeed, Jon himself stated frequently that Worzel was the
best character he had ever been given the chance to play. I still frequently
watch his adventures today and still find my heart stirred by his wanting Cups
O' Tea and Slices O' Cake!
Worzel Gummidge still is
one of the strongest and most enduring children's programmes ever made.
Jon's talent didn't just
come to the small screen. He was in several films, the first, A Yank At Oxford,
from 1938, to his final film appearance in Cloud Cuckoo in 1994. He presented a
whopping 41 episodes of the well-known sleuth Game Show Whodunnit. And he
famously appeared as a fiend of the fanged kind in the well-known Horror Film
The House That Dripped Blood with scream Queen Ingrid Pitt in 1971. He was also the face of a special Green Cross
Code road safety advert!
And believe it or not but
Jon was also a pretty decent singer, and he had several albums released during
his lifetime, including a wonderful single WHO IS THE DOCTOR! for Purple
Records. Which was basically him doing a narration piece over the theme music
from the show. He also contributed to several children's albums, namely
"Children's Favourites" in 1966! He also collaborated with June
Whitfield on the album "Wonderful Children's Songs" in 1972. His Song
"Worzel's Song" from the album Worzel Gummidge Sings, even got to
Number 33 in the hit charts in 1980.
John was married twice
during his life. Firstly, to actress Jean Marsh in 1955. He then divorced Jean
in 1960 to quickly marry Ingeborg Rhoesa. Together Jon and Ingeborg had two
children who would both also grow up to be actors. Daughter Dariel, was born
first in 1961 and then son Sean in 1964.
Jon wrote two
autobiographies of his life and career. The First Moon Boots and Dinner Suits,
focused mostly on his career before Doctor Who. The second book, I Am The
Doctor - Jon Pertwee's Final Memoir was worked on from 1995 to 1996, and
featured Jon reminiscing about his Doctor Who years and subsequent career
onwards from that time.
Jon was an avid attendee
of conventions. He almost always appeared in full Doctor's costume at several
venues all over the world. Some where he would hilariously clash with Patrick
Troughton, on one occasion chasing after the poor second Doctor with a full jug
of water!
Just a short time before
his death Jon appeared in full Doctor's costume for the last time in an episode
of Cilla Black's "Surprise Surprise" where a young fan was treated to
a meeting with the dashing dandy and a dalek!
Jon very sadly passed away
from a heart attack whilst asleep on the 20th May 1996. He was 76. His death
was keenly felt by the Doctor Who fraternity and of course all Worzel Gummidge
lovers everywhere. At the time of his death, his successor in the role of
Doctor Tom Baker is quoted as saying
""I am very
sorry to hear the news. I was a great admirer of such a stylish actor.".
Sixth Doctor Colin Baker
also reminisced sweetly on Jon's wonderful memory, saying
"He was a man of such
presence and stature. I can't believe he has gone – it is a great shock. Of all
of the interpretations of the Doctors his was the most straight in terms of
avoiding comedy"
Another small posthumous
special moment was when Jon's voice was incorporated in the Fortieth
Anniversary Radio Doctor Who adventure "Zagreus", after his wife
Ingeborg apparently gave her blessing for Big Finish Productions to incorporate
lines John spoke from the fan made Doctor Who spin off video
"Devious". This was such a touching moment for me to hear. Whilst for
the most part Zagreus was a bit of a mess and far too long winded for my
liking, I had a real lump in my throat when I listened to Jon speaking. It was
wonderful to hear his voice so many years after his bittersweet passing from
this world. Since Zagreus also, Big Finish have produced The Third Doctor
Adventures, where Jon's role is performed by actor Tim Treloar. Tim gives a
very decent and wonderful interpretation and memorial to this most amazing of
characters.
And more recently, footage
of Jon's Doctor has frequently been utilised in the modern era revival of
Doctor Who. Yet another lovely re-iteration of Jon's amazing and wonderful
legacy.
John was cremated at
Putney Vale Crematorium with a toy figurine of Worzel Gummidge affixed to his
coffin, this being at Jon's own request. A poignant and fitting last act from a
man who brought joy and happiness into so many households through his wonderful
work on screen, disc, radio and film. The Doctor Who Appreciation Society then
also honoured Jon with a blue plaque at the New Wimbledon Theatre in 2016.
He had a massive presence
wherever he went, a colourful and very, very funny man who endeared himself to
countless people. His presence on TV screens cannot go understated, as Tom
Baker rightfully quotes
"Jon was like a tall
light bulb, he glitters!"
Long may his wonderful
memory live on and light up us fans hearts and lives.
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