This is the first biography of the much-loved1970s actor Richard Beckinsale, who died in 1979 at the age of31. It looks back at one of the biggest stars of that decade through the eyes of family, friends, and colleagues. With his star rising steadily, he died suddenly of a heart attack, alone at home. Adored by the general public, his death was one of the most shocking losses to British comedy of the late 1970s, and since then there has never been an actor with the same innocent charm as Richard Beckinsale. Nor did his popularity wane after his untimely deathrepeats of the classic sitcoms "Porridge" and" Rising Damp" would keep his memory alive throughout the ensuing three decades. This is an uplifting, but ultimately sad, tale of the life and death of a great talent. It is the compelling story of a man destined for greatness, but ultimately cut down in his prime."