Porridge star Peter Vaughan dies aged 93

Tuesday 6th December 2016, 2:39pm

Porridge. Image shows from L to R: Fletcher (Ronnie Barker), Harry Grout (Peter Vaughan). Copyright: BBC
  • Peter Vaughan, who appeared in a number of British comedies, has died aged 93
  • He is perhaps best known for playing the menacing Harry Grout in Porridge
  • He also played the authoritarian father of Wolfie's girlfriend in Citizen Smith

Peter Vaughan, the actor who has appeared in a number of British comedy series, has died aged 93.

He is perhaps best known for playing 'genial' Harry Grout in Porridge. His portrayal of the menacing criminal was so strong that Grouty is one of the most memorable characters from the sitcom, despite Vaughan only appearing in three episodes of the sitcom, as well as the film spin-off.

Grouty appears to carry more influence than any other prisoner, despite attempts from others to usurp his position by undermining his pill-peddling business, tobacco racket, and gambling empire.

In 2014, Vaughan appeared in the documentary Porridge: Inside Out to talk about playing the character. He once said, in relation to the character and its impact on how people remember him, "never has a role been written that has had more impact".

Peter Vaughan's other comedy roles include playing the authoritarian father of Wolfie's girlfriend in Citizen Smith, and Uncle Alfie in Death At A Funeral.

His extensive CV also includes guest roles in shows such as Doc Martin, Birds Of A Feather, Rab C. Nesbitt, The Morecambe & Wise Show and Hancock.

Whilst he appeared in many comedies, Vaughan also excelled in drama roles. He has played blind Maester Aemon in Game Of Thrones across a number of series of the HBO fantasy drama.

His agent Sally Long-Innes said in a statement today: "This is to confirm that, very sadly, Peter Vaughan passed away at approximately 10:30 this morning. He died peacefully with his family around him."

Vaughan appears as Grouty in the second scene of this clip from Porridge:

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