David Battley; comedy actor; Times of London obit
Hyfler/Rosner
Versatile comedy actor well known to TV audiences
THE comedy actor David Battley seemed to appear in every
situation comedy on TV. His appearances were often restricted to cameos, but
he used his allotted time effectively, creating memorable characterisations
with the help of his lugubrious face and perfect comedy timing.
David Battley, eldest son of a postwar Labour MP, was born in
Battersea. Born with a hole in the heart, he was initially taught at home
before attending a special school. He later enrolled at Camberwell Art
School but left before completing the course. He earned a living working for
the family printing firm, Battley Brothers, before applying to RADA. He made
his professional stage debut with Liverpool Repertory Company, before
appearing across Britain, with London credits including The Cherry Market, A
Cuckoo in the Nest, Alfie, A Lodging for a Bride and the original production
of Loot. He also appeared in New York in The Muffled Report.
Appearances on the satirical sketch show BBC3 launched a busy
small- screen career. Although he appeared in his fair share of dramas, such
as The Bill, Lovejoy, Minder, Murder Most Horrid, Moll Flanders, The
Beiderbecke Tapes and Jonathan Creek, he made his name playing character
parts in a host of comedies, ranging from Bless This House and The Good Life
to One Foot in the Grave and As Time Goes By.
On the big screen he was seen in, among others, Crossplot, The
Waiters, That's Your Funeral, The Old Curiosity Shop, Krull and, in 2001,
Out of Depth. He will be remembered by many as Mr Turkentine in the children
's film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Over the years he was also heard regularly on the radio, and in
the late Nineties joined the cast of Radio 4's comedy series Truly, Madly
Bletchley and Bristow.
David Battley is survived by his wife, Sarah, whom he married in
1971, and two daughters, Zoe and Martha.
David Battley, actor, was born on November 5, 1935. He died of a
heart attack on January 20, 2003, aged 67.
