John Laurie, 1897 - 1980. Actor
about 1945
On Display PORTRAIT GALLERY
- Scottish Art
John Laurie began and ended his long and distinguished career as a classical theatre and dramatic film actor by playing comedy roles. This drawing by Coia depicts Laurie?s unmistakable features under the spotlight. Arguably it was his most undemanding role - pessimistic Private Frazer in `Dad?s Army?, whom he played from 1968-77 ? which gained him popular recognition. Laurie described his part in the comedy series as ?playing just a few lines and some of them are very good?. The declaration ?we?re doomed? was uttered by Frazer at any potentially bleak moment. Laurie re-created Frazer?s morose style in his recitations of the poems of William McGonagall.