Larry Martyn
Lawrence Martyn was a British film and television actor known for his comedy performances.
Martyn was born in London and was a member of the Parachute Regiment. He worked as a circus performer in his youth before becoming an actor regularly appearing on stage, and in films and TV. He was famous as store maintenance man "Mr. Mash" in the BBC comedy series Are You Being Served?, appearing in the first three seasons before being replaced by Arthur English. He was unable to continue in this role because he was committed to the television series Spring and Autumn with Jimmy Jewel. Other TV appearances included On the Buses, Look - Mike Yarwood!, Rising Damp, The Detectives and Grange Hill. He also played alongside Frankie Howerd in two of his BBC shows, Up Pompeii! and Whoops Baghdad.
Career
Martyn replaced Graham Stark in the role of the spiv Private Walker for Series 2 and 3 of the radio version of Dad's Army after the sudden death of James Beck in 1973. His film roles included Carry On at Your Convenience, where he had a small part as the promenade rifle-range owner, and Carry On Behind, where he played an inept electrician who helps wire up the public address system at the caravan site where the film is set.
Death
Martyn died on or about 7 August 1994 at home in St Mary's Bay, Kent at age 60. An inquest into his death took place 9 November 1994 where a cause of death was unascertainable and an open verdict was recorded.
Filmography
Idol on Parade - TeenagerToo Young to Love - Minor Role Never Let Go - LenDeadline Midnight - Billy BrewsterFlame in the Streets - Second Corner Boy Partners in Crime - Pete LakeNever Back Losers - Clive ParkerThe Day the Earth Caught Fire - Man at Water Station The Damned - Teddy Boy On the Beat - Yob in Cafe Breath of Life - TonyThe Great St Trinian's Train Robbery - ChipsUp the Junction - Barrow BoyUp Pompeii! - Verminus / Spurius / GaolerCarry On at Your Convenience - Rifle Range OwnerFor the Love of Ada - BrianKindly Leave the Kerb Upstairs, Downstairs - The ElectricianAre You Being Served? - Mr. MashSpring and Autumn - Brian Reid / Joe DickinsonElementary, My Dear Watson Whoops Baghdad - Derti DhotiOn the Buses - FredLook - Mike Yarwood! Carry On Behind - ElectricianDon Alfonso - Don AlfonsoA Sharp Intake of Breath - Barry PendersOmen III: The Final Conflict - OratorGrange Hill - Bus ConductorWest End Tales - CheckieMinder - SmithDon't Wait Up - Garage mechanicSlinger's Day - 1st Man CustomerHigh & Dry - Electricity Board InspectorThe Bill - Pub Landlord / Landlord / Greengrocer / Norman Harris The Detectives - Stable Hand
Radio
'The Random Jottings of Hinge & Bracket ', - - Coalman.. Dad's Army Private Walker 1973 Replaced James Beck