Newsraid: Tooting Born Actor George Cole dies aged 90yrs

One of Britains most loved characters George Cole dies aged 90yrs.

The actor – who was born in Tooting, South London, in 1925 and adopted when he was 10 days old – began his acting career when he was just 14 after joining the cast of a touring musical.

Later Known for his superb performance in the original St Trinians Film in the 50s and 60s then later in Sitcom Minder with Dennis Waterman.

Minder star George Cole first found fame in the 1950s playing wheeler-dealer Flash Harry in the St Trinian’s films, but will be best remembered for his part playing another cockney wideboy decades later.

His portrayal of camel-coated, cigar-puffing used car salesman Arthur Daley entertained viewers for more than 10 years with millions tuning in to watch him and Dennis Waterman’s Terry McCann – the long-suffering minder of the title.

Cole’s character, an ambitious but feckless small-time crook, spent each episode dreaming up another get-rich-quick scheme while avoiding the attentions of the police – in the form of Patrick Malahide’s Mr Chisolm – and the never seen but often mentioned ‘er indoors.

Waterman eventually left the show, which ran from 1979 to 1994, with Gary Webster stepping into the role for the last two series.

Daily Mail 6-8-15.