Quick Facts
Biography
Michael Knowles (born 1937, Spondon, Derby) is an English actor and scriptwriter. He is best known for his roles in BBC sitcoms written by David Croft and Jimmy Perry.
Early life
Knowles attended Bemrose Grammar School for Boys, Derby (now Bemrose School), where he stayed on into the 6th form and played the lead role in the school’s production of Shakespeare's Henry V.
Career
Knowles is best known for his role as Captain Jonathan Ashwood in the 1970s sitcom It Ain't Half Hot Mum (1974–81). He also played The Honourable Teddy Meldrum in the BBC comedy drama You Rang, M'Lord? (1988–93), and starred in the sitcom Come Back Mrs. Noah (1977–78).
Knowles did the voice of the Head of the Air Force in the animated movie The BFG, based on the novel by Roald Dahl for Cosgrove Hall. His television career started in 1969 with the role of Capt. Cutts in Dad's Army, a series he later adapted (with Harold Snoad) for radio. With Snoad, he wrote It Sticks Out Half a Mile, a radio sequel to Dad's Army. He is also credited as one of the writers for Are You Being Served, appearing in two episodes.
Selected filmography
- Dad's Army (1971)
- The Flesh and Blood Show (1972)
- Spy Story (1976)
- The End of the World Man (1985)
- You Rang, M'lord (1988–1993)
- The BFG (1989)
- Walliams and Friend (2016)