Arka Evren

ACTOR

Arthur Lowe

Known for
O Lucky Man! (1973), Dad's Army (1968), The Ruling Class (1972), Dad's Army (1971)

35 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Oct 2026

Arthur Lowe is an actor best known for O Lucky Man!, Dad's Army and The Ruling Class.

24 Interesting Facts About Arthur Lowe

  1. #003

    Arthur Lowe played the same character, Leonard Swindley, in three different series: Coronation Street (1960), Pardon the Expression (1965) and Turn Out the Lights (1967).

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  2. #004

    In January 1982, Richard Burton flew Lowe on his private plane to film a cameo role in the television series Wagner (1983), which was Burton's final screen performance.

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  3. #005

    Three weeks into filming Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979), Alec Guinness panicked and decided he could not play George Smiley; he suggested Lowe in his place.

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  4. #006

    Arthur Lowe suffered a stroke in 1979.

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  5. #007

    Arthur Lowe narrated a public information film reminding motorway drivers that the right-hand lane is not a "fast lane" and is only for overtaking.

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  6. #009

    In his later years, his wife Joan Cooper insisted that they only work together on stage, so he turned down many good theatre jobs in order to tour the country in bad plays just to give her a role. He was offered a part in the Hollywood film Heaven Can Wait (1978) but had to turn it down because there was no role for his wife.

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  7. #010

    Arthur Lowe's contract for Dad's Army (1968) contained a clause stating that he would not be filmed without his trousers.

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  8. #011

    A memorial service for Arthur Lowe was held at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London on 24 May 1982.

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  9. #014

    Arthur Lowe left school at the age of 15.

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  10. #015

    Arthur Lowe made his debut at the Manchester Repertory Theatre in 1945, where he was paid £5 a week for two performances a night.

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  11. #016

    Alongside straight television series, Arthur Lowe also achieved considerable success in comedies.

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  12. #018

    Arthur Lowe spent four years on Coronation Street, from the third episode onwards.

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  13. #019

    Arthur Lowe owned a 100-ton Victorian-style steam yacht built in 1885 and an old Daimler car.

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  14. #020

    In a case of life imitating art much like Captain Mainwaring, Arthur Lowe was largely managed and ordered about by his wife.

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  15. #022

    In December 2007, plans were announced to erect a statue of Lowe in Thetford, Norfolk, where the exterior scenes of Dad's Army (1968) were filmed. The statue was unveiled on 19 June 2010 by the series' writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft. Two blue plaques honouring the star were also unveiled, one in Maida Vale and the other in his birthplace, Hayfield, Derbyshire.

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  16. #023

    While serving in the Second World War, Arthur Lowe was part of a repertory company.

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  17. #024

    Arthur Lowe appeared in the musicals Pal Joey and The Pajama Game.

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  18. #025

    Once he became well known, Arthur Lowe was reported to be dismissive towards members of the public.

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  19. #027

    Arthur Lowe was originally cast in Royal Flash (1975) but was replaced.

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  20. #029

    Arthur Lowe provided the narration for the animated series of the "Mr. Men" children's books.

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  21. #030

    Arthur Lowe was an active supporter of the British Conservative Party.

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  22. #033

    Arthur Lowe died exactly 14 years after the first episode of Dad's Army (1968) was recorded.

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  23. #034

    While in the army during the Second World War, Arthur Lowe was helped to organise soldiers' shows.

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  24. #035

    During the Second World War, Arthur Lowe was discharged from the army after being badly struck with the butt of a German rifle.

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