Dad’s Army veteran Frank Williams dead aged 90

Dad’s Army veteran Frank Williams has died six days before he was due to turn 91.

The actor – best known for playing vicar Timothy Farthing in the BBC sitcom, passed away Sunday morning after he last year admitted he was struggling with health issues including deteriorating sight.

His death was announced in a statement on his official Facebook page, which said: “So sorry to say that our beloved friend, colleague and actor, Frank Williams, passed away this morning.

“He was almost 91, and we are grateful for all the years of joy, laughter and happiness he brought to so many. Thank you Frank! X.”

Williams was due to turn 91 on July 2, and his passing prompted hundreds of comments of sympathy in reaction to the Facebook post.

He joked his ‘Dad’s Army’ role left him typecast as he also played clergy in comedies ‘You Rang, M’Lord?’, ‘Hi-de-Hi!’ and ‘What’s Up Nurse’.

The north London-born actor said on the eve of his 90th birthday he was amazed to be heading towards the “milestone”.

He was partially sighted at that stage and walking with a stick.

But he said his dwindling vision wasn’t stopping him from enjoying repeats of ‘Dad’s Army’.

He said: “I’ve got macular degeneration. It’s irritating but I cope. I can still recognise people if they stand close to me. Sadly, I can’t read any more so I listen to audiobooks.

“When it comes to watching TV, I have to sit close to the set – but I still enjoy seeing the episodes whenever they’re shown.

“A few weeks ago, it was ‘The Armoured Might of Lance Corporal Jones’, the opening episode of series three. It was significant for many reasons, including being the first in colour and my debut.”

He gave the interview at the north London home he shared with long-time friend and fellow actor Ronnie Grainge.

Williams also called playing the ‘Dad’s Army’ vicar “the happiest period of my professional life”.

He added: “Initially, I thought it was for just one episode but the character became a regular.

“I ended up appearing in 39 of the 80 TV episodes, the original film, stage show and 14 radio episodes.”

His role left him receiving fan letters including requests from couples getting married to perform the ceremony, wrongly believing he was a real vicar.

He went to school at Ardingly College, West Sussex, and Hendon School before starting his career in acting at the Watford Palace Theatre.

The repertory theatre was run by ‘Dad’s Army’ creator Jimmy Perry.

He was the second-last surviving cast member of the show, leaving only Private Pike actor Ian Lavender, 76, alive from the show’s line-up.