Frank Thornton - Actor Profile

Frank Thornton

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.3 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 15, 1921
Birth Place: Dulwich, London, England, UK

About Frank Thornton

Frank Thornton Ball (15 January 1921 - 16 March 2013), professionally known as Frank Thornton, was an English actor. He was known for playing Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served? (1972-1985) and its sequel Grace & Favour and as Herbert "Truly" Truelove in Last of the Summer Wine.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Frank Thornton reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Frank Thornton's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 38% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Frank Thornton remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Crooks and Coronets, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Frank Thornton Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Frank Thornton's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Frank Thornton.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Are You Being Served? Secrets & Scandals Archive Footage Hit Similar →
2012 Run For Your Wife Man on Bus Flop Similar →
2002 The Making of Gosford Park Self (uncredited) Flop Similar →
2001 Gosford Park Mr. Burkett Hit Similar →
1998 What's a Carry On? Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1995 The Old Curiosity Shop - Average Similar →
1990 The BFG Mr. Tibbs (voice) Average Similar →
1980 The Taming of the Shrew Gremio Super Hit Similar →
1977 Ride of the Valkyrie - Flop Similar →
1977 Are You Being Served? The Movie Captain Stephen Peacock Flop Similar →
1976 Spanish Fly Dr. Johnson Flop Similar →
1975 Side by Side Inspector Crumb Hit Similar →
1973 The Three Musketeers Man in Small Carriage (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1973 Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World Estate Agent Flop Similar →
1973 No Sex Please - We're British Glass Shop Manager Flop Similar →
1973 Steptoe & Son Ride Again Mr. Russell Hit Similar →
1972 Our Miss Fred British Colonel Average Similar →
1972 Bless This House Mr. Jones Average Similar →
1972 Up the Chastity Belt Master of Ceremonies Flop Similar →
1970 The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer Tom Stoddart Average Similar →
1970 The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes Porter Hit Similar →
1970 All the Way Up Mr Driver Average Similar →
1970 Some Will, Some Won't Purvis Flop Similar →
1969 The Magic Christian Police Inspector Average Similar →
1969 The Bed Sitting Room The BBC Average Similar →
1969 Crooks and Coronets Cyril Super Hit Similar →
1969 The Assassination Bureau Elevator victim (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1969 Till Death Us Do Part Valuation Officer Hit Similar →
1968 A Flea in Her Ear Charles, the Butler Average Similar →
1968 The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom Factory Manager Hit Similar →
1968 30 Is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia! Registrar Flop Similar →
1968 Red, White, and Zero - Flop Similar →
1966 Lucy in London Passport Officer Average Similar →
1966 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Slave Driver Average Similar →
1966 Carry On Screaming! Mr. Jones Hit Similar →
1965 The Wild Affair Wine Shop Manager Flop Similar →
1965 The Early Bird Drunken Doctor Super Hit Similar →
1965 The Big Job Bank Official Hit Similar →
1964 The Tomb of Ligeia Peperel Average Similar →
1964 The Comedy Man Producer Hit Similar →
1962 It's Trad, Dad! TV Director Average Similar →
1961 Victim George - Henry's Assistant (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1961 The Impersonator Police Sargeant Average Similar →
1958 Battle of the V-1 British Scientist (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1956 Cloak Without Dagger False James Markley Hit Similar →
1956 Johnny, You're Wanted Police Inspector Flop Similar →
1955 Portrait of Alison Police Photographer Average Similar →
1954 Radio Cab Murder Inspector Finch Flop Similar →
1935 The Florentine Dagger (uncredited) Average Similar →
1931 Cracked Nuts Revolutionary Hit Similar →

Frank Thornton - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Frank Thornton?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Frank Thornton is "Crooks and Coronets" with a rating of 8.3/10.

How many movies has Frank Thornton acted in?

Frank Thornton has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Frank Thornton?

Other notable films include "The Taming of the Shrew", "What's a Carry On?", and "The Early Bird".