- Born
- Died
- Birth nameStanley James Carroll Beck
- Nickname
- Jimmy
- Height5′ 11″ (1.80 m)
- Londoner James Beck took to the Theatre at the end of his National Service, playing roles as diverse as Shylock to Archie Rice in "The Entertainer". His role as Cockney spiv Private Walker in Dad's Army made him a familiar face, if not a familiar name. His life was cut short before a potentially much more interesting career.
- IMDb mini biography by: Archie-8 - He was a PT instructor in the army when he did his National Service. When he was demobbed, he worked as a commercial artist without any enthusiasm. One day on a bus, he saw a man reading a script and, on a whim, said that he'd like to be an actor. The man offered him a job as an assistant stage manager in a small theatre company in Ramsgate at £3 a week. This led to walk-on parts, then small speaking roles. From the beginning, he was determined to widen his experience and never to become typecast. Performing in drama, comedy, pantomime and musicals on television, he appeared in such shows as Fabian of the Yard, Dr Finlays Casebook and Beggar My Neighbour. When he got the part of Pvt Walker in Dads Army he worried that he'd end up forever playing spiv parts until co-star John le Mesurier said 'Why worry if you're lucky enough to have a success. stay with it'.
- IMDb mini biography by: Tonyman 5
- SpouseKay Beck(? - August 6, 1973) (his death)
- Pencil thin moustache
- Warm and witty personality
- Was opening a summer fete when he fell ill. A few days later, the actor passed away.
- His father was a frequently unemployed tram driver and his mother used to make artificial flowers to provide a small income.
- Was a heavy smoker throughout his life and was rarely seen without a cigarette whilst acting.
- Pursued a career in the theatre, eventually winning a contract with the York Theatre Company.
- After attending art college and doing his national service in the army, Beck took up acting.
- [As spoken in an interview with Ken Windsor on the success of Dad's Army] It just happens to be funny and that is the success of the show and also the great team spirit that we have, we all like each other very much and get on well together and this also contributes I think.
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