Frank Thornton (born "Frank Thornton Ball" on 15th January 1921 in Dulwich, London; died 16th March 2013 in Barnes, London) appeared on Coronation Street in March 1966 as hospital inpatient Danny Roach, occupying the bed next to Jerry Booth.
He was educated at Alleyn's School where he played the cello in the orchestra and went on to work as an insurance clerk. Frank enrolled in evening classes at the London School of Dramatic Art and after two years, was invited to attend as a day student. He served in the RAF during World War II and as a Flying Officer, toured the RAF Gangshows as a talent-spotter. He was demobbed in 1947.
Throughout his successful stage and screen career he worked with many great talents including John Cleese, Frankie Howerd and Spike Milligan to name a few.
He appeared in some of Britain's best-loved sitcoms including Steptoe and Son, Love Thy Neighbour, Hancock and Last of the Summer Wine. It is for his role as Captain Peacock in the iconic BBC series Are You Being Served? - a role which took him to worldwide acclaim - that he is best remembered for. He played the role for its entire ten series run, as well as the sequel entitled Grace and Favour (Are You Being Served? Again!).
On stage, he appeared in productions of Smilin' Through, Macbeth, Wild Horses, Ring for Catty, Sabrina Fair, Meals on Wheels, Green Room Rag, Bedroom Farce, Semi-Monde, Ivanov, The Pirates of Penzance, Me and My Girl, Hobson's Choice, A Patriot for Me and Cash on Delivery (directed by Bill Kenwright).
He was the special guest on the edition of This Is Your Life, transmitted on 19th October 1998.