George Cole

[Rutherford]

Does anyone know if there's an autobiography/biography of him? Just watched an episode of Minder and he stated he doesn't agree with the Co-Op shop....as it's communist

[billy bentley]

Obviously Arthur Daley would be anti-communist as would any self respecting spiv ! Cole was brought up by Alistair Sim who would be appalled by the idea of either a biography, or even worse an autobiography. I seem to remember an interview Cole once gave where he stated he felt guilty for giving the interview, as he knew how much Sim would have disapproved. There has recently been published an Alistair Sim biography, which has it's own thread on this site and although I've yet to red it, i'd be surprised if it doesn't mention George Cole in some detail. Any comments from members who have read it - with regard to GC ?

[CaptainWaggett]

Obviously Arthur Daley would be anti-communist as would any self respecting spiv ! Cole was brought up by Alistair Sim who would be appalled by the idea of either a biography, or even worse an autobiography. I seem to remember an interview Cole once gave where he stated he felt guilty for giving the interview, as he knew how much Sim would have disapproved. There has recently been published an Alistair Sim biography, which has it's own thread on this site and although I've yet to red it, i'd be surprised if it doesn't mention George Cole in some detail. Any comments from members who have read it - with regard to GC ?

Didn't the author of the (excellent) Sim biography say that Cole wouldn't give an in-depth interview because he was busy with his own autobiography? He always seems quite cagey in interviews - the recent hour-long one with Mark Lawson was interesting without being very revealing.

[Rob Compton]

I would certainly be interested if he ever wrote an autobiography. My father was a few years below him at school.



rgds

Rob

[Moor Larkin]

Does anyone know if there's an autobiography/biography of him? Just watched an episode of Minder and he stated he doesn't agree with the Co-Op shop....as it's communist

Some of this is culled from the Mark Lawson interview, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately bbc i-player doesn't have it available to watch.



George Cole

[Mark589]

Yes - just to support the Captain's comments. I have been in touch with George Cole on three or four occasions over the past 10 years but he maintains every time that he is working on his autobiography and therefore will not give interviews. I would say that his comments on my early draft of the Sim book were very helpful and he has always responded in a very pleasant manner. I saw him at Windsor Theatre about 4 years ago and as soon as he came on stage the audience enthusiastically applauded him. Quite a national treasure with many a tale to tell I'm sure.

Incidentally I was on the excellent Canterbury Tales walk this year and would recommend it to all. Softback version of the Sim biography is due out any week - sorry for the plug, but I've just about broken even on the book! Regards all - Mark Simpson

[kelp]

I shall get my copy ordered Mark, as he was one of my favourite actors.

[CaptainWaggett]

Yes - just to support the Captain's comments. I have been in touch with George Cole on three or four occasions over the past 10 years but he maintains every time that he is working on his autobiography and therefore will not give interviews. I would say that his comments on my early draft of the Sim book were very helpful and he has always responded in a very pleasant manner. I saw him at Windsor Theatre about 4 years ago and as soon as he came on stage the audience enthusiastically applauded him. Quite a national treasure with many a tale to tell I'm sure.

Incidentally I was on the excellent Canterbury Tales walk this year and would recommend it to all. Softback version of the Sim biography is due out any week - sorry for the plug, but I've just about broken even on the book! Regards all - Mark Simpson

Great news - I borrowed the hbk but I'll certainly be buying the pbk. An excellent read - and highly recommended. You certainly got a lot of interesting comments from those who worked with Sim even if you didn't manage to get George Cole.