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    British sitcom writer David Croft dies at 89

    LONDON (AP) — Television writer David Croft, who helped create much-loved British sitcoms such as "Dad's Army" and "Are You Being Served?," died Tuesday. He was 89.

    Croft's agent Tim Hancock, said the writer died at his holiday home in Portugal. Croft's family said in a statement that he "died peacefully in his sleep," but did not give a cause.

    The son of actors, Croft served with the Royal Artillery during World War II before starting a showbiz career, eventually moving into TV as a producer, director and writer.

    Several of his comedies had military settings, including "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" — set in wartime India and Burma — and "Dad's Army," about a hapless World War II Home Guard unit.

    Co-created with Jimmy Perry, "Dad's Army" is considered a comedy classic, and is still frequently rerun more than 40 years after its debut.

    Croft and Perry had another long-running hit with "Hi-de-Hi!" set in a 1950s holiday camp.

    With Jeremy Lloyd, Croft wrote several series in the 1970s and 80s, including "'Allo 'Allo!" — set in the unlikely comic environment of Nazi-occupied France — and the perennially popular department-store sitcom "Are You Being Served?"

    The shows drew viewers in the millions with their mix of memorable characters, nostalgic settings, catch phrases and double entendres.

    In a statement, Croft's family said he would have "been proud that you had all been watching."

    Former BBC head of comedy Jon Plowman said Croft was "quite simply a genius who invented a whole genre of comedy that was all his own — mostly from his own experience."

    "He wrote so much of the great comedy from the last 30 or 40 years, always impeccably cast with an ensemble of great character actors," Plowman said.

    In 1978, Croft was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, for services to television.

    He is survived by his wife and children. Funeral details were not immediately available.

     

    63 comments

    • Infidel 1 of many  •  8 mths ago
      As an Amercian I have only seen Are You Being Served in reruns but if the rest were as funny as it was I truely would have loved to have seen them....Hope someone helps Miss Slocum find her #$%$..
    • Tori S  •  8 mths ago
      a great writer and funny sitcoms that he had.
      but i love "Are You Being Served?" the best
    • chefbry  •  8 mths ago
      Loved the "Britcoms" on PBS. "Are You Being Served?" and "Dad's Army" I think I've seen every episode. Seen a few of "'Allo 'Allo!" episodes. Between Python and the Britcoms, it's no wonder that my sense of humor is the way it is...or maybe I should say 'humour' as a tribute to Mr. Croft.
    • Jim  •  8 mths ago
      I can add nothing to what has been said except that I looked forward to Sat evenings for Brit comedies on PBS...and I still do! But I especially liked Are you being served and Allo Allo. Thank you Mr Croft
      • Laura 8 mths ago
        These are my two favorite British comedy series, too, Jim. I have the entire series of both of them. Mr. Croft was a genius.
      • A Yahoo! User 8 mths ago
        Our so called comic writers could learn a few things by watching how he did it.
    • Blazen Black  •  8 mths ago
      Are You Being Served was a great show, wish they put it on the air on PBS as a tribute to a writer that was before his time.
      • CINDY 8 mths ago
        Are You Being Served is airing at 9:30 MST on PBS Saturday nights.
    • mummieeva  •  8 mths ago
      So sad to hear this new. Rest in peace. Are you Being Served is a favorite in my home.
    • Festus  •  8 mths ago
      You will be missed Mr. Croft and I am unanimous in that
    • Charles  •  8 mths ago
      Some of the best comedy shows ever on TV
    • ED  •  8 mths ago
      They don,t make great shows like are you being served anymore. Now it,s all stupid unreality reality shows.
    • Daniel  •  8 mths ago
      two words...."I'm freeee!"
    • A Yahoo! User  •  8 mths ago
      To paraphrase Young Mr. Grace from Are You Being Served "David Croft you have done very well"
    • Holly  •  8 mths ago
      RIP and bless your family. You have brought me many hours of entertaining laughter. Are You Being Served is still my favorite. I wish we had sitcoms like that today.
    • Gary  •  8 mths ago
      Are you free, Mr Humphries? Thanks for the laughs
    • Steve  •  8 mths ago
      Another great talent gone, will be very missed. Thank you sir for all the wonderful laughs.
    • MJ  •  8 mths ago
      what a brilliant man, so talented. His creative genius gave pleasure to so many of us. He will be sorely missed. God speed, Mr. Croft.
    • D. Saster!  •  8 mths ago
      Mrs. Slocum's #$%$ went into hiding and hasn't been seen since the news broke.Your wit and comedic genius will be sorely missed Mr. Croft. However, when you and John Inman get together in the hear after the laughter will be eternal!
    • The Real MikeS  •  8 mths ago
      I grew up watching his shows. Many great Laughs, Many great Memories.
      RIP
    • Matthew  •  8 mths ago
      RIP to a great man, and prayers for his family and loved ones.
    • KMA  •  8 mths ago
      He was brilliant! He will be missed.
    • drednm  •  8 mths ago
      A terrific talent. Great TV shows that will always be shown. Are You Being Served is a classic.
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