Frank Thornton Has Died

Oddly enough, it doesn't seem to have gotten much attention on this board, but Frank Thornton, who played Herbert "Truly" Truelove on the show died last month. He was an astounding 92 years old. And the last series of Summer Wine only went out a couple of years, so he was working until he was almost 90. That's pretty remarkable, even if his and Cleggy's parts had to be smaller in the last couple of series. Way to go, Truly! This is the first time I've visited this site since reading of Thornton's passing.

Peter Sallis is in his 90s now as well, and it's a bit strange to think that even though I've never met him in my life, I'm dreading the day that I read that he has died. We grow incredibly attached to our favorite characters, especially when they were with us for as long as Summer Wine's, and in some way, we almost project that familiarity onto the actor.

Let's face it: Summer Wine had to end at some point. If not in 2010, it would have had to pretty soon after. All things pass and even though it's a sad reminder of the impermanent nature of our reality, and of mortality, we still have some 37 years' worth of programs to enjoy. The truth is, by this point in time, we're really fortunate that the very few original cast members are still with us, let alone able to work up until the last episodes. Most of us, at the age of 90, won't be doing what Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton were doing! To me, it 's amazing to think of still being alive at the age of 90. I know it's getting more common, to the point that it's almost surprising to hear of someone who doesn't make it to 80, but even today, it's not everyone who lives to be 90.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2013/mar/18/frank-thornton


'Irregardless' is not a word