Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star 'Grandpa' dies aged 83

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...s-dies-83.html

Actor and film director Lionel Jeffries has died after a long illness. He was 83. Best known for directing The Railway Children and appearing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, he passed away yesterday morning at a nursing home in Dorset. Born in the East End in 1926, Jeffries served in Burma during World War II before training to be an actor at RADA.

He made his stage and screen debut in the 1950s and went on to play an array of characters during the heyday of the British film industry. He starred in Camelot, First Men In The Moon and The Trials Of Oscar Wilde. His early hair loss - which he blamed on his war service - tended to make him look much older than he was. He played the role of Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, starring as **** Van Dyke's father despite the fact that Jeffries was six months younger.

A spokesman for his agent, the Liz Hobbs Group, said: 'We can confirm he did pass away this morning. It was following a long illness.' He is survived by his wife, Eileen Mary Walsh, and three children. In the 1970s, he scripted and directed The Railway Children, based on E Nesbit's book. Actress Jenny Agutter, who starred in the film, described him as 'an extraordinary character' and 'wonderfully funny'. She added: 'He was a total dear to work with.'

Legend, RIP.

[Martin]

Aww, that's such a shame.

I must have watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang hundreds of times over the years, and I can remember him as being a great actor. He brought a fun aspect to it too.

RIP.

[Titch]

Legend of the bussiness, R.I.P

[CrazyColaist]

R.I.P x

[GommeInc]

He was awesome When I see him it reminds me of the song "P O S H. POSH!"

[Tash.]

He was awesome When I see him it reminds me of the song "P O S H. POSH!"

That was such an awesome part of the film, loved it. I saw that he'd died on Sky News but I actually didn't realise this was who he played. Very sad.

[Black_Apalachi]

Sad news This is a great bit of trivia I didn't know;

.. He played the role of Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, starring as **** Van Dyke's father despite the fact that Jeffries was six months younger. ...

[GommeInc]

Sad news This is a great bit of trivia I didn't know;

Proof that make-up and facial hair can change the way you look in an age prospective