Peter Sallis, the star of BBC TV series Last Of The Summer Wine and the voice of Wallace in the Wallace & Gromit TV series and feature films, has passed away at the age of 96. The news was confirmed by the BBC earlier today. The corporation’s website said that his agent confirmed he died peacefully with his family by his side.
Sallis played the role of Norman “Cleggy” Clegg in Last of the Summer Wine from 1973 to 2010, appearing in all 295 episodes. A new generation found a love for the actor as the the voice of Wallace, the cheese-loving character in the animated Wallace and Gromit films.
Nick Park, creator of Wallace & Gromit, said in a statement: “I’m so sad, but feel so grateful and privileged to have known and worked with Peter over so many years. He was always my first and only choice for Wallace.”
“Working with him was always a delight and I will miss his wry, unpredictable humour and silliness – that started the moment he greeted you at the door, and didn’t stop when the mic was switched off.”
Park added: “Peter had naturally funny bones and was a great storyteller and raconteur off stage too and would keep us amused for hours.”
The actor passed away on Friday 2nd June. RIP Peter.
