Biography
John Laurie (1897–1980) was a Scottish stage, film and television actor. Born in Dumfries, he trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London after First World War service and made his stage debut in 1921. He became known for Shakespearean roles at the Old Vic and with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Laurie appeared in scores of films, often in supporting roles. His screen debut was in Alfred Hitchcock's Juno and the Paycock (1930); Hitchcock later cast him as John the Crofter in The 39 Steps (1935). He worked with Laurence Olivier on Henry V (1944), Hamlet (1948) and Richard III (1955), and featured in The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943), I Know Where I'm Going! (1945) and Treasure Island (1950).
He is best known for playing Private James Frazer in the BBC sitcom Dad's Army (1968–1977). Laurie served in the Home Guard during the Second World War.
