Vale: Sam Kelly

British actor Sam Kelly, best known for ‘Allo ‘Allo and Porridge, has died, aged 70.

He died peacefully after a long illness, media has reported.

Kelly played prisoner Bunny Warren in the BBC comedy Porridge between 1974 and 1978 and Nazi captain Hans Geering in the first four series of ‘Allo ‘Allo between 1982 and 1987.

Director Mike Leigh, who worked with him nine times, told BBC Radio 5 live that he was the “most loveable guy”.

“He was very versatile indeed but above all, he was just a really great guy,” he added.

Former Doctor Who star Colin Baker, who studied with him at RADA, paid tribute on Twitter, describing Kelly as a “lovely, funny, talented chap”.

“Cannot believe that lovely Sam Kelly has died,” he added. “So sad”.

Source: BBC