Actor. He will be best remembered for playing Captain Peacock, the droll floor walker in the popular, long-running British comedy TV series "Are You Being Served?" (1972 to 1985) and as Truly in the television program "The Last of the Summer Wine" (1997 to 2010). The son of a banker, he took to acting at an early age. However, his goal of becoming a performer was delayed due to his father's insistence of Frank finding a respectable occupation. He found work at an insurance company while taking acting classes during the evening at the London School of Dramatic Art. He left the insurance industry after two years to become a full-time acting student and initiated his career as a touring performer on the stage in Ireland. After service with the Royal Air Force during World War II, he found steady work in a repertory company and marked his film debut with an uncredited role in the picture "The Silent Witness" (1954). Thornton went onto scores of credits in such programs as "The Avengers", prior to having his first featured role in the TV series "HMS Paradise" (1964 to 1965). He had a recurring part on the BBC radio comedy series "The Embassy Lark" (1966 to 1968). Thornton had a credit in the popular British "Carry On" film series with "Carry On Screaming!" (1966).
Actor. He will be best remembered for playing Captain Peacock, the droll floor walker in the popular, long-running British comedy TV series "Are You Being Served?" (1972 to 1985) and as Truly in the television program "The Last of the Summer Wine" (1997 to 2010). The son of a banker, he took to acting at an early age. However, his goal of becoming a performer was delayed due to his father's insistence of Frank finding a respectable occupation. He found work at an insurance company while taking acting classes during the evening at the London School of Dramatic Art. He left the insurance industry after two years to become a full-time acting student and initiated his career as a touring performer on the stage in Ireland. After service with the Royal Air Force during World War II, he found steady work in a repertory company and marked his film debut with an uncredited role in the picture "The Silent Witness" (1954). Thornton went onto scores of credits in such programs as "The Avengers", prior to having his first featured role in the TV series "HMS Paradise" (1964 to 1965). He had a recurring part on the BBC radio comedy series "The Embassy Lark" (1966 to 1968). Thornton had a credit in the popular British "Carry On" film series with "Carry On Screaming!" (1966).
Bio by: C.S.
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