Last Of The Summer Wine Who Is Still Alive

Remember those three old blokes, forever scheming and rolling down hills in a bathtub? Last of the Summer Wine was the ultimate comfort show, a gentle, meandering look at friendship in the Yorkshire Dales. It holds the record as the longest-running sitcom in the world, which is seriously cool. But here we are, years later, and you might be wondering: who’s actually still with us from that iconic cast?

The Everlasting Core Trio (Sort Of)

The real magic was always the trio: Compo, Clegg, and Foggy. But, as you might guess, time catches up with everyone. Bill Owen, the brilliant actor behind the scruffy, lovable Compo, passed away in 1999. And Peter Sallis, the gentle, long-suffering Clegg, left us in 2017 at the grand age of 96. That leaves the third spot, which was famously filled by several actors, but the one most fans remember is Foggy.

So, who played Foggy? That was the wonderful Brian Wilde. Unfortunately, Brian Wilde also passed away in 2008. It’s a bit sad, right? The original gang is gone. But don’t worry, because the show had a secret weapon: it just kept bringing in new characters, and some of them are still around to chat about it.

The Surprising Survivors You’d Love to Meet

One of the most beloved later additions was Compo’s son, Tom Simmonite, played by Tommy Cannon. Yes, that Tommy Cannon, of the legendary comedy duo Cannon and Ball. And guess what? He’s still alive and kicking! At 85, he’s full of stories about the show and his career. Isn’t it wild to think a Cannon and Ball star was rolling around Holmfirth?

Another key face is the stern but lovable Nora Batty, played by the incredible Kathy Staff. Sadly, she passed away in 2008. But her on-screen husband, the grumpy Wally Batty, played by Joe Gladwin, left us in 1987. However, the show had a way of bouncing back, bringing in new characters like the adventurous Marina.

Who played Marina? That was the bubbly Jean Fergusson. And yes, Jean Fergusson is very much alive. Now in her late 70s, she’s still active and charming. It’s like finding a hidden treasure in your attic. She remembers the chaotic, sun-drenched shoots in the Yorkshire valleys like it was yesterday.

Wait, What About the Grown-Ups?

Don’t forget the younger characters who grew up around the old men. Jane Freeman played the formidable café owner, Ivy. She’s still with us, too! At 86, she’s a walking piece of television history. And Juliette Kaplan, who played the man-hungry Pearl, is still going strong at 82. It’s amazing to think these women are still around, having outlived so many of their on-screen counterparts.

Then there’s the iconic Foggy’s replacement, the equally eccentric Truly of the Yard (played by Frank Thornton). He lived a long life, passing away in 2013 at the age of 92. But his presence is still felt. The show really was like a relay race, passing the baton of silliness from one generation to the next.

Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care)

So, why does it feel so important to know who’s still alive? Maybe because Last of the Summer Wine wasn’t just a show; it was a promise. A promise that you could be old, silly, and have a best friend to share it with. Seeing that Jean Fergusson or Tommy Cannon is still around makes that promise feel a little more real, doesn’t it?

It’s like checking in on your favorite, slightly nutty grandparents. They’re the last living links to a world that felt simpler—a world of tea, scones, and gently rolling down hills. Isn’t it cool that these actors are still here, telling tales of the most gentle, chaotic television show ever made?

If you ever want to feel a little bit of that summer warmth, just search for a clip. And when you see the familiar faces, give a silent nod to the ones still around. They’re a very rare, very special part of TV history. And honestly? That’s pretty wonderful.