Johnny Shannon:
The classic chunky London wideboy, whose soft 'r's ('You intu-ested in gu-eyhounds, Mr Seymour?') seem to be one of the fonder inspirations behind Viz comic's 'Cockney Wankah'. He was well cast in the surprisingly gritty 'Slade In Flame' (1975), as well as 'That'll Be The Day' (1973) and of course 'Performance' (1970) where he played the muzak and muscle-loving gang leader Harry Flowers. He also cropped up in 'Absolute Beginners' (1986) and played slumlord Peter Rachman in 'Scandal' (1989).
His TV roles have been a little patchier, but you might have seen him in the likes of 'The Sweeney', 'The Professionals', 'Minder' (as three different characters over the years), 'EastEnders' (naturally), and 'The XYY Man'. Less expected might be 'Secret Army', 'The Morecambe & Wise Show', 'Beryl's Lot', 'The Kenny Everett Television Show' and kids' show 'Super Gran' where he apparently played a character called Derek Morbid.
He also had a nice little tip for the 3.00 at Exeter for for Basil Fawlty…
Saw this ubiquitous south London actor - very versatile within that - in the Sweeny and thought ? I have bedn watching characters like this on great telly shows all my life. Thanks Johnny and will look up the film work especially "Performance".
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