Joe Gladwin

Joseph "Joe" Gladwin (22 January 1906 – 11 March 1987) was a British actor. He was best known in his roles as myopic Stan Hardman in Nearest and Dearest from 1968 to 1973, and Wally Batty in the world's longest-running sitcom, Last of the Summer Wine in 1975, and again from 1976 to 1987.

Gladwin was born at 44 Tatton Street in the Ordsall district of Salford, Lancashire, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Gladwin (née Dooley). He was baptised on 28 January 1906 at Mount Carmel RC Church, Ordsall and educated at the parish school. He married Lily Anne Wynne on 30 December 1933 at Mount Carmel Church. Gladwin was appointed a Papal Knight (of the Order of St. Gregory the Great) for his charity work. Gladwin also served as Northern representative of the Catholic Stage Guild. Despite his lifelong rhotacism (which he concealed when acting by substituting the letter R for a guttural sound), he became well known in British television, especially prominent from 1975 until his death in 1987.

Gladwin worked as a 'feed' for Dave Morris (comedian) for twelve years beginning in 1950. He appeared in British television since the 1960s, some notable appearances include Z-Cars, Dixon of Dock Green and The Artful Dodger. He also had a recurring role in Coronation Street between 1961 and 1966 as Fred Jackson, owner of the local fish and chip shop. He had completed work on the Summer Wine's 1986 Christmas special and ninth series before his death.

His film credits included appearances in Three Hats for Lisa (1966), Charlie Bubbles (1967), Work Is a Four-Letter Word (1968), The Reckoning (1969), the film version of Nearest and Dearest (1972), Escape from the Dark (1976) and Yanks (1979).

Joe Gladwin as Wally being manhandled by Nora (played by Kathy Staff) in Last of the Summer Wine

He was also the voice of the "Hovis" television ads for many years.

Gladwin died on 11 March 1987, aged 81, in Manchester. He is buried at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery just off the A6 road at Wardley, near Manchester.