Star 'lit up the screen' in her comedy roles

Liz Fraser, best known for her role in several Carry On films, has died at the age of 88.

One of the London-born star’s first film roles was in 1959’s I’m All Right Jack playing Peter Sellers’ daughter, for which she was nominated for Bafta’s best newcomer award. Just one year later she was playing Sellers’ girlfriend in Two Way Stretch.

She was in several of the early Carry On films: Carry On Regardless, Carry On Cruising  and Carry On Cabby but was sacked by producer Peter Rogers after casually saying the series could be better marketed. She re-appeared in the series in Carry On Behind 12 years later, her salary apparently half of what it had been before.

Fraser appeared in the 1971 film version of  Dad's Army as Mrs Pike and a number of 1970s sex comedies including Adventures of a Taxi Driver and Confessions of a Driving Instructor.

On TV she appeared in Hancock's Half Hour, on Benny Hill's shows, Last of the Summer Wine, Minder and more

Paying tribute on Twitter, director Michael Armstrong said: ‘My lovely Liz Fraser has died. I'm too upset to speak of our personal relationship over the years but will state: as one of the greatest comedic actresses of her era on stage & screen. Her legacy of work will serve as a masterclass for future generations. RIP, dearest Liz. X.

And writer/director Tom de Ville said: ‘A sad farewell to Liz Frazer, who was brilliant in I'm Alright Jack, and lit up the screen whenever she appeared in one of her many irascible, bubbly, delightful comedy roles. ‘

Robin Askwith, who starred in the Confessions series, shared an anecdote:  I sat down for dinner in our favourite restaurant, Osteria 430, with Liz to discuss our upcoming bath scene. I felt something licking my groin! "Er,what's going on Liz?" Without a flicker"That's just Banjo" Her beloved Bassett hound, of course.’

Published: 7 Sep 2018