The Beloved British Actor and His Quaker Education
1927 - 1995
Paul Eddington CBE was a beloved British actor best known for his starring roles in "The Good Life" and "Yes Minister/Yes, Prime Minister."
Born to a Quaker family in 1927, he attended Sibford School in Oxfordshire, where the pacifist values instilled in him would shape both his personal convictions and his character throughout his distinguished career.
Unlike some alumni, Eddington maintained a lifelong positive relationship with the school. Despite his busy acting life, Paul Eddington took a continuing interest in the school, its progress and activities.
The family were Quakers. His father, Albert Eddington, was related to the Somerset shoemaking Clark family and the scientist Sir Arthur Eddington. Albert had been "emotionally shattered" on his return from the First World War, which led to Paul being a lifelong pacifist.
He was a gentle, peace-loving man who found spiritual peace in the quiet Quaker form of worship and fully supported the Society's stand against all war.
Paul Eddington described his teachers at Sibford School, noting that the headmaster was actually breaking stones in Dartmoor during the First War as a conscientious objector, showing "how completely non-conformist it was."
He recalled his woodwork master, Mr. Herbert, who had been in the Friend's Ambulance Unit during WWI, and shared stories about the deeply pacifist atmosphere at the school.
Although he was an actor for all his adult life, it was not until Eddington was in his late forties that he became a household name.
Years of Acting
BAFTA Nominations
CBE Awarded
Played Jerry Leadbetter, neighbor to the main characters. The role, originally intended as a small part, became essential to the show's success alongside Penelope Keith as his wife Margo.
Played the title role of Jim Hacker, a bumbling government minister. The show became a cultural phenomenon.
4 BAFTA NominationsContinued his role as Jim Hacker, now promoted to Prime Minister. The show was reportedly Margaret Thatcher's favorite TV programme.
Critical AcclaimIn 1952, Paul married Patricia Scott. The marriage, which produced four children, was felicitous and lasted until Eddington's death 43 years later.
Five days before his death, on the BBC show "Face to Face," when asked how he would like to be remembered, he said:
"A journalist once asked me what I would like my epitaph to be and I said I think I would like it to be, 'He did very little harm'. And that's not easy. Most people seem to me to do a great deal of harm. If I could be remembered as having done very little, that would suit me."
Paul Eddington died in Southwark, London, on 4 November 1995, aged 68. He was survived by his wife Patricia and their four children.
| Full Name: | Paul Clark Eddington |
|---|---|
| Born: | 18 June 1927 |
| Birthplace: | Paddington, London |
| Died: | 4 November 1995 (aged 68) |
| Education: | Sibford School, Oxfordshire |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Years Active: | 1944-1995 |
| Spouse: | Patricia Scott (m. 1952-1995) |
| Children: | 4 (3 sons, 1 daughter) |
Born in Paddington, London
Attended Sibford School
Began acting career with ENSA
Married Patricia Scott
Diagnosed with mycosis fungoides
The Good Life premiered
Yes Minister premiered
Awarded CBE
Passed away in London
"The core of Quakerism is the ability to sit still and silent for an hour."
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