Death of Television’s Billy Bunter

Gerald Campion, the actor who played Billy Bunter for nearly a decade, has died aged 81. He died in France on Tuesday 9th July 2002,from heart problems.

The star was in his thirties when he first played the role of the ‘greedy schoolboy’ in the BBC series of the 1950s  As a result, he became one of the best-known faces on TV as a generation grew up with his adventures. The show was performed live in front of a studio audience. Each episode was broadcast twice; first for Children’s viewing, and a later repeat for evening viewers.

Other performances included roles in the films Carry On Sergeant and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well as TV's Dr Who and Great Expectations.

He became fed up with the brand of Bunter for ever, it seemed, tattooed upon him. However, there is little doubt that the Television plays introduced a new generation to the works of Frank Richards, and may well have helped Bill Howard Baker's sales when he started his magnum opus of reprinting all the Magnet Stories.

Campion, married for 40 years to his second wife, Susan, also had a second career as a businessman, running exclusive bars in London's Soho; although, particularly after being 'typecast' as Bunter, it might be fairer to say that acting was his secondary career.

For many aficionados of Frank Richards, Campion was their introduction to the magical world of Greyfriars. Believe it or not, I never saw television apart from the Coronation until the early sixties. So to see a couple of these historic shows (thanks to Darrell Swift) at a Friars' Club meeting last year was quite special.

Although one Obituary states he appeared in 120 episodes, according to the Late Bill Lofts, he appeared in a total of 38 episodes between 1952 and 1961. (I suspect the Obituary includes all the repeats, for Bill Lofts' research was impeccable.)

It is interesting to note that Edith Hood (Frank Richards' Housekeeper) is quoted as saying "We didn't like it much", while Richards' diary entry for 18th March 1952 reads simply "No 3 Bunter on TV. Rotten." Most other diary entries concerning the TV shows merely records their showing. However, researching his diaries for the years in question, it would seem he did not see them all.

Gerry, (as he was called by all in the theatrical world) was one of the kindest and most generous of men. Any actor down on his luck could be assured of food and drink at Gerry's 'on the tab'. John Junkin's tales of Campion's generosity are echoed by many others. And, the esteem in which he was held by the theatrical world was shown at his memorial service held in St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden.

Peter McCall