Tony Melody

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Anthony John Melody (18 December 1922 – 26 June 2008), known professionally as Tony Melody, was an English television character actor who appeared in a number of long running comedies and soap operas, with more than 100 television roles. Born in London where his father was stationed in the Royal Horse Guards, Melody grew up in Goole, Yorkshire. He started his career as a professional singer and dancer and, whilst serving in the RAF during WWII, participated as such with the Ralph Reader Gang Show, entertaining the troops. In peace time, Melody began a double act with Jimmy Clitheroe, his neighbour in Bispham, Blackpool, which continued up until the entertainer's death in 1973. From the 1970s onwards, Melody was getting regular television work, in comedies at first, but gradually becoming more varied as time went on. In 1979 he starred in John Schlesinger's movie Yanks, which led to greater dramatic work on both film and television. Throughout his broadcasting, career he continued to work live in summer season (at holiday camps such as Butlin's, and in seaside resorts such as Blackpool and Skegness). He also worked in pantomime. Melody was married twice and had four children: three sons and a daughter from his first marriage. He died in a nursing home from cancer after a short illness on 26 June 2008, aged 85. His funeral was held at Carleton Crematorium, Blackpool, Lancashire on 3 July, and was survived by his second wife.