Arthur Lowe

Best known as Captain George Mainwaring from the British sitcom "Dad's Army," Arthur Lowe was born into humble beginnings. Lowe planned to join the Merchant Navy but was rebuffed for his poor eyesight. He joined the British Army on the eve of World War II, and performed in shows for the troops. After the war ended, Sergeant Major Lowe left the military to pursue his newfound love of acting. He joined a repertory theatre and built his stage reputation, ultimately reaching the West End. He began earning small roles in film in 1948 and on television by 1954.

By the '60s, he'd become a series regular on "Coronation Street" as preacher Leonard Swindley. The popular character resulted in two spin-offs, "Pardon the Expression" and "Turn Out the Lights." After seven years, Lowe grew tired of playing Swindley, and returned to theatre when Sir Laurence Olivier invited him to perform at the Old Vic. He was also cast in "Dad's Army" as Captain Mainwaring. Like Swindley, the character caught on, and Lowe reprised the role on radio and film. After earning over 100 film and television credits, Lowe's career came to an abrupt end. Lowe suffered a stroke in his dressing room at the Alexandra Theatre. He was preparing to perform "Home at Seven," in which his wife Joan Cooper also starred. He died at the hospital shortly thereafter.