# Bernard Cribbins

> British singer and actor (1928–2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q822377](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q822377)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Cribbins)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bernard-cribbins

## Summary
Bernard Cribbins was a British singer and actor who had a career spanning over seven decades in film, television, and music. He was known for his distinctive voice and comedic timing, appearing in numerous productions including "Doctor Who" and "The Wombles."

## Biography
- Born: 29 December 1928
- Nationality: British
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Versatile career as singer, actor, comedian, and voice actor
- Employer(s): British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Parlophone
- Field(s): Acting, singing, comedy, voice acting

## Contributions
Bernard Cribbins contributed to the entertainment industry through his work as a singer, actor, comedian, and voice actor. He recorded music for Parlophone, appeared in numerous television productions for the BBC, and provided voice work for animated characters. His career included stage performances, film roles, and television appearances spanning from 1943 until his death in 2022.

## FAQs
**What was Bernard Cribbins known for?**
Bernard Cribbins was known for his versatile career as a singer, actor, comedian, and voice actor, with notable appearances in "Doctor Who" and as the voice of the Wombles.

**Which organizations did Bernard Cribbins work with?**
Bernard Cribbins worked with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for television productions and Parlophone for his music recordings.

**What types of roles did Bernard Cribbins perform?**
Bernard Cribbins performed in various capacities including stage acting, film acting, television acting, singing, comedy, and voice acting for animated characters.

**When did Bernard Cribbins begin his career?**
Bernard Cribbins began his career in 1943, working continuously until his death in 2022.

## Why They Matter
Bernard Cribbins mattered because he represented a generation of British entertainers who could successfully work across multiple mediums - stage, screen, music, and voice work. His long career spanning nearly eight decades made him a familiar face and voice to multiple generations of British audiences. His ability to transition between comedy, drama, music, and voice work demonstrated remarkable versatility in an era when specialization was becoming more common in the entertainment industry.

## Notable For
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) recipient
- Seven-decade career in entertainment
- Voice of the Wombles in the popular children's television series
- Appearances in "Doctor Who" across different eras of the show
- Successful recording artist with Parlophone
- Work spanning stage, film, television, and voice acting
- Autobiography author
- Continued working into his 90s

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Bernard Joseph Cribbins was born on 29 December 1928 in the United Kingdom. He began his entertainment career in 1943 at the age of 15, entering the industry during World War II. His early career established him as a versatile performer capable of working across different entertainment mediums.

### Music Career
Cribbins recorded music for Parlophone, a German-British record label founded in 1896. His work with Parlophone connected him to a historic label that had been operating for over half a century by the time he began his recording career. The label, which focuses on rock music and jazz genres, provided Cribbins with a platform for his musical talents alongside his acting work.

### Television and Broadcasting Work
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was a major employer for Cribbins throughout his career. Founded on 1 January 1927, the BBC is a British public service broadcaster with extensive operations in television, radio, and online media. Cribbins's long association with the BBC spanned multiple decades and included various types of programming, from children's shows to adult drama series.

### Stage and Film Career
As a stage actor, Cribbins performed live before in-person audiences, demonstrating his ability to connect with viewers in the immediate, unmediated environment of theater. His film acting career complemented his television and stage work, allowing him to reach wider audiences through the cinematic medium.

### Voice Acting and Animation
Cribbins's work as a voice actor included providing voices for animated characters, most notably as the narrator and voice of the Wombles in the popular children's television series. This work showcased his distinctive vocal qualities and his ability to bring animated characters to life through voice alone.

### Comedy Work
As a comedian, Cribbins sought to entertain audiences primarily through making them laugh. His comedic timing and delivery became hallmarks of his performances across various mediums, from live stage shows to television appearances and film roles.

### Later Career and Recognition
Cribbins continued working well into his 90s, maintaining an active presence in the entertainment industry until shortly before his death on 27 July 2022. His longevity in the business and his ability to remain relevant across changing entertainment landscapes demonstrated his adaptability and enduring appeal.

### Autobiographical Work
Cribbins authored an autobiography, adding "autobiographer" to his list of accomplishments. This work provided insights into his long career and experiences in the entertainment industry, offering a first-hand account of British entertainment history through much of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

### Citizenship and Identity
Cribbins was a citizen of the United Kingdom, maintaining his British identity throughout his life and career. His work consistently reflected and contributed to British popular culture, making him a recognizable figure in the nation's entertainment landscape.

### Industry Impact
Throughout his career, Cribbins worked across multiple fields including acting, singing, comedy, and voice acting. His versatility allowed him to work in various entertainment sectors, from traditional stage performances to modern television and film productions. This adaptability made him a valuable asset to producers and directors across different types of productions.

### Legacy
Bernard Cribbins's legacy includes his contributions to British popular culture through his distinctive voice, comedic performances, and versatile acting abilities. His work continues to be remembered and appreciated by audiences who grew up with his performances, particularly his voice work as the Wombles and his appearances in "Doctor Who." His career serves as an example of longevity and adaptability in the entertainment industry.

## References

1. [Bernard Cribbins, comic actor whose panoply of characters included Perks in The Railway Children and the voices of the Wombles – obituary. The Daily Telegraph. 2022](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2022/07/28/bernard-cribbins-comic-actor-whose-panoply-characters-included/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Discogs
8. [Bernard Cribbins: Doctor Who and Wombles star dies aged 93. article](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-62330478)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. BBC Things
11. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
12. The Movie Database