Edward Sinclair, nicknamed Teddy Sinclair (3 February 1914 – 29 August 1977) was an English actor best remembered for his role as the verger Maurice Yeatman in Dad's Army. He also made appearances in Z-Cars and Danger Man.Sinclair was born in Oldham, Lancashire, the son of a stage actor. His father died when he was 14. Drama school was too expensive so he worked for amateur theatre companies. He served in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in the Second World War, and was a salesman before deciding to become a professional actor in his late forties. Although born into a theatrical family, Edward had to resist the temptation to turn professional until he had safely brought up his family. In the meantime, he continued to perform with amateur dramatics societies, enjoying the experience while continuing to earn a living from being a salesman.The earliest work in his belated main career was in radio before being noticed and offered small parts on TV. His first appearance in Dad's Army was in the fifth episode (before audiences had been introduced to the Vicar) as the caretaker, playing the verger from the second series. He also appeared in several films and theatre productions, and was being offered work in panto just as the series finished, but died soon after from a heart attack while living in Cheddar, Somerset. This came as a shock to all the cast members, and it was Arthur Lowe, who stated at his funeral service, "With the loss of Teddy, it is now quite clear that there will be no more Dad's Army."
British radio and television actor, born into a theatrical family. Started in amateur dramatics and only turned professional while in his forties. Best remembered as the furtive, weaselly verger, Mr. Yeatman, in "Dad's Army".
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Died exactly one month after the last episode of Dad's Army (1968) was recorded. He didn't live to see the 9th season broadcast, since this took place nearly two months after his death.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Dad's Army
1968-1977
TV Series
Verger Maurice Yeatman
Whodunnit?
1975
TV Series
Sam Austin
Dawson's Weekly
1975
TV Series
Steward
David Copperfield
1974
TV Mini-Series
Mr. Barkis
No Sex Please: We're British
1973
Postman
Comedy Playhouse
1972
TV Series
Head waiter
Dad's Army
1971
Verger Maurice Yeatman
The Magic Christian
1969
Park Attendant (uncredited)
ITV Saturday Night Theatre
1969
TV Series
Officer of the Watch
Rogues' Gallery
1969
TV Series
Officer of the watch
Dr. Finlay's Casebook
1969
TV Series
Maclaren
Armchair Theatre
1969
TV Series
A Christmas Night with the Stars
1968
TV Series
Verger Maurice Yeatman
Z Cars
1968
TV Series
Dukes
Hugh and I Spy
1968
TV Series
Secret Agent
1965
TV Series
Business Man
ITV Sunday Night Drama
1965
TV Series
Sub-Editor
Compact
1964
TV Series
Reg Whistler
Saraband
1948
Nils
Tower of Terror
1941
Fletcher - Hale's contact
The Bells
1931
Sergeant Christian Nash
Writer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Kiss of Araby
1933
continuity / dialogue
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Dad's Army
TV Series lyrics - 1 episode, 1973 performer - 1 episode, 1973