Robert Douglas Fyfe (25 September 1930 – 15 September 2021) was a Scottish actor, best known for his role as Howard in the long-running British sitcom Last of the Summer Wine from 1985 to 2010.
Early life Fyfe was born in Kirkcaldy on 25 September 1930, the son of Douglas Fyfe, a watchmaker, and Mary Fyfe née Irvine. He attended Kirkcaldy High School, before studying English literature at the University of Edinburgh. He did not complete his degree and instead trained under Esmé Church at the Northern Theatre School in Bradford, graduating in 1954. Whilst studying, he performed in Halifax, York and Scarborough, including appearing in the York Mystery Plays in 1954.
Career Fyfe appeared in the films Xtro, The 51st State, Around the World in 80 Days, Gaolbreak and Babel. In 2012 he appeared in Cloud Atlas. Other credits include guest appearances on Z-Cars, Survivors, The Gentle Touch, The Return of Sherlock Holmes and Monarch of the Glen. Fyfe appeared as Malcolm Lagg, a lollipop man, in Coronation Street in December 2012. His character was seen training Dennis Tanner, played by Philip Lowrie, to take over his job.
Personal life He married stage director Diana Rush in 1957. She died in August 2021. Fyfe died from kidney disease on 15 September 2021, at the age of 90. They were survived by their three sons, Timothy, Nicholas and Dominic.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes Source1962GaolbreakWally1982XtroDoctor2001The 51st StateHector Dougal McElroy2004Around the World in 80 DaysJean MichelRobert Fyfe: Last of the Summer Wine star dies aged 902006BabelTourist Number 142010Burke & HareOld Donald2011The Decoy BrideAncient Crofter2012Cloud AtlasOld Salty Dog / Mr. Meeks / Prescient 12016Pride and Prejudice and ZombiesButler Edwin
Television roles Year Title Role Notes Source1962 Dr. Finlay's Casebook - Episode: "It's All In The Mind" 1971 The Onedin Line Evans Episode: "Mutiny" 1975 Z Cars Walter Heckley Episode: "Tonight and Every Night" 1982 Third Time Lucky Mr MacTaggart Episode: "Change Partners" 1985–2010 Last of the Summer Wine Howard Sibshaw 230 episodes 1988 The Return of Sherlock Holmes Booking Clerk 1 episode 1989 No Strings Grandad 7 episodes 2004 Monarch of the Glen Jackie McIntyre 1 episode 2009 Misfits Harry 1 episode 2012 Coronation Street Malcolm Lagg 7 episodes 2017 Carters Get Rich Bernard 2 episodes
References
External links Robert Fyfe at BFI