Vicar of Dibley star Trevor Peacock who played Jim Trott in hit BBC comedy dies aged 89
‘Night Trev. I love you’: Dawn French leads tributes to Vicar of Dibley co-star Trevor Peacock who played Jim Trott – the character famous for his ‘no, no, no, no…’ catchphrase – after his death aged 89 following dementia battle
- Trevor Peacock, who played Jim Trott in the hit BBC comedy series, has died
- Actor was a comedy favourite and passed away aged 89 on Sunday morning
- The actor, writer and song-writer suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in later life
- His family confirmed he died from a ‘dementia-related illness’ in a statement
- Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French led the tributes posting: ‘Night Trev, I love you’
The Vicar Of Dibley actor Trevor Peacock has died at the age of 89, his family have confirmed.
The actor, who played Jim Trott in the comedy series, suffered from dementia in later life.
The degenerative condition contributed to his death on Sunday morning, with his family confirming he passed away fom a ‘dementia-related illness’.
Peacock first appeared opposite Dawn French in the BBC sitcom in its debut episode in 1994 and continued to appear in every episode of the Richard Curtis show until 2015.
The actor, who is survived by his four children, won over fans with his saucy innuendos and his catchphrase of ‘no no no no…’ before everything he says.
His co-star Ms French led the tributes to the actor, saying: ‘Night Trev. I love you.’
He is survived by his wife, actress Tilly Tremayne, and their two children, as well as a son and daughter from his first marriage.
Vicar of Dibley star Trevor Peacock who played Jim Trott in hit BBC comedy dies aged 89
He starred in the BBC comedy series alongside Dawn French (centre) as The Reverend Geraldine Granger and James Fleet as Hugo Horton (right)
Vicar of Dibley Star Dawn French (pictured right) posted an emotional tribute to Peacock (pictured left) on social media alongside an image of them taken on set
A statement on behalf of his family said: ‘Trevor Peacock, actor, writer and song-writer, died aged 89 on the morning of March 8th from a dementia-related illness.’
Tributes began flooding in for the actor after his agent confirmed announced the news of his death.
Paying tribute, his agents Scott Marshall Partners said on Twitter: ‘Remembering our wonderful client Trevor Peacock who died peacefully yesterday. A comic genius and one of the very best humans. We will miss him hugely.’
The actor suffered from dementia in the later years of his life, which his family say contributed to his death
Actor George Rainsford wrote on Twitter: ‘Ah man I loved Trevor Peacock. Remember him as Giles Corey in the @TheRSC’s #TheCrucible and scene-stealing with his line, ‘A fart on Thomas Putnam!’
‘Achieving both pathos and comedy in so few words. #RIPTrevorPeacock’.
TV channel Gold also tweeted: ‘We are all saddened to learn that Trevor Peacock, who played Jim Trott so brilliantly in The Vicar of Dibley has passed away at the age of 89. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
A tweet from the BBC Press Office said, alongside a picture of the actor: ‘We’re saddened to hear of the death of actor Trevor Peacock.’
Fans also responded to the sad news of his death with many taking to social media to exclaim ‘No! No, no, no’ at his passing.
One social media user called the actor ‘comedy gold’ while another paid tribute to ‘one of the funniest character actors ever.’
Peacock appeared as the gruff character Jim, a much-loved member of the Dibley Parish Council, opposite the show’s star Dawn French in 26 of the show’s episodes.
The show originally aired from 1994 to 1998, but the series returned for various specials before officially concluding in 2007.
Tributes began flooding in for the actor after his agent confirmed the news of his death on Sunday morning
Peacock’s career has spanned acting on stage, film, radio and TV and songwriting
In 2007 he appeared in the Hollywood film Fred Claus playing the father of Father Christmas. Pictured: With Kathy Bates and Kevin Spacey
It briefly headed back to screens for various shorts in aid of Comic Relief with Peacock’s last appearance on screen in the 2015 special.
Peacock was absent from the show’s Christmas revival in December 2020.
He was also an accomplished stage actor as well as appering on TV and in film. Pictured: Peacock as Matthew Skips in ‘The Lady’s Not For Burning’
His family shared details of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis four years ago, saying that he no longer remembered appearing in the much-loved show.
He also had no recollection of his acclaimed acting career, which spanned 50 years, and was baffled when he was recognised by fans.
His daughter Sally said at the time: ‘As a character actor, he has made so many people laugh for such a long time.
‘Sadly, now he doesn’t understand why people want to come up to him to talk to him or thank him for his work.’
He started experiencing health problems in 2003 when he had a mini-stroke while performing at the Exchange Theatre, Manchester.
In 2009, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia – the death of brain cells brought on by a stroke – and in 2013 he was told he had Alzheimer’s disease, in which abnormal proteins cause brain cells to die, leading to gradual mental decline.
He passed away on Sunday morning as a result of a ‘dementia-related illness’, although his family did not go into further detail about the condition.
Prior to his death, his family campaigned to raise awareness of the condition.
They created tree-shaped mobiles made from sticks from his Somerset garden known as ‘Trevor Trees’ and sold them in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
Peacock married twice and was dad to two sons and two daughters. He divorced his first partner, Iris Jones, while his second wife, actress Tilly Tremayne, was able to help him through his poor health in later years.
The actor, who is survived by at least six grandchildren and one great grandchild, is understood to have spent some of the final years of his life in a nursing home in Yeovil, Somerset.
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the actor after his death
This Twitter user called his death ‘such a sad loss’ and said he will ‘never be forgotten’
This person called Peacock ‘one of the funniest characters ever’ in a tribute on social media
This individual had high praise for the BBC comedy sitcom The Vicar of Dibley in his tribute to Peacock
Many fans used Jim Trott’s catchphrase to mourn his loss, posting ‘no, no, no’ at the sad news
Peacock is the latest Vicar of Dibley cast member to pass away in recent years.
Emma Chambers, who played Alice Tinker in the BBC comedy series for 13 years, died of natural causes, thought to be a heart attack in February 2018.
Actor Roger Lloyd-Pack who played Owen Newitt also passed away in January 2014 of pancreatic cancer, while John Bluthal, who played Frank Pickle, died aged 89 in November 2018.
Peacock’s career has spanned acting on stage, film, radio and TV and songwriting.
Born in Edmonton, north London, in 1931 and started his TV career in the 1960s in the ITV Television Playhouse, Comedy Playhouse and The Wednesday Play.
He later played Rouault in Madame Bovary and Quilp in The Old Curiosity Shop and made appearances in EastEnders, Jonathan Creek and sitcom My Family.
In 2007 he appeared in the Hollywood film Fred Claus, opposite Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti, playing the father of Father Christmas.
Peacock started experiencing health problems in 2003 when he had a mini-stroke while performing in Hobson’s Choice at the Exchange Theatre, Manchester
He also appeared in Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut Quartet, opposite Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Billy Connolly.
Peacock was also an accomplished songwriter and wrote a number of hit songs including the 1960s track Mrs Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter, which was recorded by Herman’s Hermits and Mystery Girl, recorded by Jess Conrad, as well as the lyrics for a number of hits by The Vernons Girls.
He was also an accomplished Shakesperean actor, starring in a number off BBC productions including Titus Andronicus, Twelfth Night and Henry V.
He had a long relationship with the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester and performed in many productions there, as well as writing a number of musicals, including Leaping Ginger, Cinderella, Class K and Jack And The Giant.
Andy Capp, which he wrote with Alan Price, starred Sir Tom Courtenay and later transferred to London’s Aldwych Theatre.
After separating from his first wife, Peacock married actress Tilly Tremayne, famous for her role on Coronation Street as Dr Marian Taylor.
Of Peacock’s four children, his two sons from separate marriages, Daniel and Harry, also followed him into acting.
The former is now a writer and director and previously appeared in Only Fools and Horses as ‘Mental Mickey’ and as parts in films including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and The Jewel of the Nile.
Peacock’s son Harry also starred as Ray Purchase in Toast of London and was cast as parts in episodes of Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders, both in 2008.
More recently he has appeared in Porridge and The Windsors comedy series. Harry is married to married to actress Katherine Parkinson, star of The IT Crowd.
Peacock’s daughter Maudie, from his second marriage, also works for the BBC.
Vicar of Dibley cast: Where are they now?
Peacock was a much-loved member of the Dibley Parish Council. Pictured: (back row, left to right) Frank Pickle, played by John Bluthal, Hugh Horton, played by James Fleet, Trevor Peacock as Jim Trott, Owen Newitt played by Roger Lloyd pack, (front row, left to right) Emma Chambers’ character Alice Tinker, Dawn French as Geraldine, and David Horton played by Gary Waldhorn
Dawn French:
Since playing the Vicar of Dibley Geraldine Granger for decades, Dawn has had a number of other acting roles such as starring alongside Emilia Fox in Delicious.
She also reprised her role for a Vicar of Dibley Christmas special in 2020 which saw her charcter react to current affairs including lockdown and the Black Lives Matter movement.
James Fleet:
Having played Hugo Horton in the BBC comedy series, Fleet has continued acting on the screen.
Famed for his role in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Fleet also played Robbie Sloane in Coronation Street and starred in the third series of The Unforgotten in 2018.
Gary Waldhorn:
The actor played Coucillor David Horton in the much-loved comedy sitcom.
Although he was an accomplished Shakespearean actor prior to appearing on the show, after it ended Waldhorn retired and remained off screen since.
Emma Chambers:
The Vicar of Dibley came to an end when Chamber’s character Alice Tinker became Mrs Horton.
The actress starred in a number of films after the show ended, including credits in Richard Curtis’ Notting Hill.
Sadly the actress, who appeared in the Vicar of Dibley for 13 years, died of natural causes, thought to be a heart attack in February 2018.
Roger Lloyd-Pack:
His character famer Owen Newitt was known for his rough mouth on the BBC show.
Lloyd-Pack was also known as another rough and ready character – Trigger in Only Fools And Horses in the 80s and 90s. He also starred in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
The actor passed away in January 2014 of pancreatic cancer aged 69.
John Bluthal:
Bluthal died aged 89 in November 2018 after playing the much-loved Frank Pickle, Bluthal in the comedy between 1994 and 2007.
Liz Smith:
Starring as Letitia Cropley in the BBC series, Smith’s character was famed for her terrible cooking.
Her career also included roles in A Queen’s Nose and A Private Function, for which she won a BAFTA.
The actress died aged 95 on Christmas Eve in 2016.
