Biography
Colin Bean (15 April 1926 – 20 June 2009) was an English actor best known for playing Private Sponge in the BBC sitcom Dad's Army (1968–1977). He appeared in 76 episodes of the series and the 1971 feature film adaptation, initially as a background platoon member before taking a more prominent position in later seasons.
Born in Wigan, Lancashire, Bean attended Wigan Grammar School and trained at drama school, graduating in 1952. He began his career in theatre, working as assistant stage manager at Sheffield Rep and later at Watford Palace Theatre under Jimmy Perry, co-creator of Dad's Army. His television work included appearances in The Gnomes of Dulwich (1969), Are You Being Served? (1973) and Hi-de-Hi! (1988).
Arthritis limited his later stage and screen work, though he continued with radio and published his autobiography, Who Do You Think You Are Kidding!, in 1998.
