Terry Thomas

TERRY THOMAS d1990. Distinctive English "cad image" comic actor remembered for his portrayals of often disreputable members of the upper classes ; using his trademark cigarette holders / catchphrases and gap in his front teeth for many of his characters. He was diagnosed in 1971 with Parkinsons Disease that forced his retirement in the late 1970s. On 9th April 1989 the actor Jack Douglas and Richard Hope-Hawkins organised a benefit concert for Terry-Thomas, after discovering he was living in virtual obscurity, poverty and ill health. The gala, held at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane ran for five hours and featured 120 artists with Phil Collins topping the bill and Michael Caine as the gala chairman. The show raised over £75,000 for Terry-Thomas and Parkinsons UK. The funds from the evening allowed Terry-Thomas to move out of his charity flat and into Busbridge Hall nursing home in Surrey. He died there on 8th January 1990 at the age of 78.