So, last time I listed all the films in the Carry On series. I gave a small mention to some of the stars of the films, but now it's time to look at them in a little more detail.
Kenneth Williams (1926-1988)
Making the most appearances (26) of any Carry On cast member, London-born Williams usually took a leading role. From a rather sedate beginning, taking on rather "straight-laced" roles, his characters evolved into ostentatious elitism, and is fondly remembered for his catchphrase from the Doctor/Nurse films, "Ohhhhh matron!"
Joan Sims (1930-2001)
Completing the longest continuous run in Carry On features (20, excluding the compliation That's Carry On), Sims appeared in a total of 24 films. More than most of her co-stars, she played an extremely wide range of characters.
Charles Hawtrey (1914-1988)
A rather eccentric individual, Hawtrey was an accomplished actor on both screen and stage, but is best known for his Carry On career. He appeared in 23 films in the series, mostly in a supporting role.
Sid James (1913-1976)
Sid James took top billing in 17 of the 19 Carry On films in which he appeared, with the majority of his appearances playing a character called Sid or Sidney! Usually revelling in the role of a happy-go-lucky Cockney, James also took on more television roles than most of his counterparts.
Kenneth Connor (1918-1993)
Like Joan Sims, Kenneth Connor's roles were more varied than most, and had a total of 17 Carry On credits to his name.
Peter Butterworth (1919-1979)
Rarely in a starring role, Butterworth generally played a good-natured but bumbling assistant, and made 15 appearances. He was married to comedian and impressionist Janet Brown.
Hattie Jacques (1922-1980)
Usually cast as a figure of authority, Jacques appeared in 14 of the series. A regular performer on both radio and television, she is perhaps even better known for her role as Eric Sykes' sister in the popular TV series Sykes.
Bernard Bresslaw (1934-1993)
The tallest of the regular cast (6'7"), Bresslaw made 14 appearances in the Carry On series. He was also in great demand for other film, television, and radio work, and reached Number 5 in the UK charts 1958 with Mad Passionate Love.
Jim Dale (1935- )
One of the few Carry On stars (11 films) still with us, Jim Dale has enjoyed a successful career not only as an actor on stage and screen, but also as a singer and songwriter. In addition, he has won two Grammy Awards as a narrator of the Harry Potter audiobooks.
Marianne Stone (1922-2009)
One of the lesser-known names of the series, Marianne Stone appeared in 11 Carry On films, always in a supporting role. She does, however, have a lengthy list of other film credits, including such classics as Brighton Rock, A Hard Day's Night, and To Sir, With Love.
Barbara Windsor (1937- )
Always playing a cheeky blonde, it is surprising to discover that Babs appeared in just 10 Carry On films! Since then, she has made quite a name for herself playing Peggy Mitchell in the long-running soap, EastEnders.
There have been two other actors to have appeared in ten or more Carry On films, but only in minor roles - Michael Nightingale and Peter Gilmore.
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