Vicar Of Dibley actor Trevor Peacock dies aged 89 of dementia-related illness | Ents & Arts News

Actor Trevor Peacock, who starred alongside Dawn French in The Vicar Of Dibley, has died of a dementia-related illness.

The actor, who played Jim Trott in the much-loved comedy series from its debut episode in 1994, died on Monday, aged 89.

A member of Dibley Parish Council, his character was famous for his repetition of the word “No” and his frequent sexual references.

Peacock also made appearances in EastEnders, Jonathan Creek and sitcom My Family, and in 2007 appeared in the film Fred Claus, opposite Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti, playing the father of Father Christmas.

A statement on behalf of his family said: “Trevor Peacock, actor, writer and song-writer, died aged 89 on the morning of March 8 from a dementia-related illness.”

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.”

TV channel Gold said the actor had “played Jim Trott so brilliantly in The Vicar of Dibley”, while a tweet from the BBC Press Office said they were “saddened” to hear of his death.

Peacock appeared in every episode of the BBC sitcom from 1994 to 2015, although missed the recent Christmas special.

Born in Edmonton, north London, in 1931, he 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 also appeared in Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut Quartet, opposite Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Billy Connolly.

Also an accomplished songwriter, he 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.