Eric Longworth

Who was Eric Longworth?

Eric Longworth was a British actor, best known for his semi-regular part in Dad's Army as Mr. Gordon, the town clerk of Walmington-on-Sea.

Eric Groves Longworth was born in Shaw, Lancashire. He had decided from an early age to become an actor, but had his hopes dashed when his father died and Eric had to help support the family. He was 17 at the time. Up to his call up in 1939, which included a spell in Bombay, he had joined the Crompton Stage Society, a local amateur company, playing character parts to stall his ambitions.

After demob, he decided to go professional, joining the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, staying with them for 11 years. He rose to become theatre manager at Oldham, and later became the manager of the old Guildford Theatre until 1963; at both theatres he continued to act, and occasionally direct, as well as managing. His first television appearance was in 1963, and was usually cast as civil servants or retired colonels. Longworth appeared in a 1972 episode of Lollipop written by Jimmy Perry, which could have led to him being chosen for the part of the Town Clerk. During the Dad's Army Stage Show, Longworth understudied Arthur Lowe. He also made a few films, and spent time flying around the globe visiting family, mixed in with the occasional voice over work, and appearances for the DAAS. He also appeared in other Jimmy Perry and David Croft sitcom Hi De Hi as a Head Waiter. Years Active 1963 - 1996