BBC documentary on the life of British sitcom actor Paul Eddington. This footage belongs to the BBC but has been uploaded in response to its withdrawal from the UK DVD version of Yes Prime Minister. It is available in the United States but not here in the UK.
Paul Eddington falls into the rare category of "just a great human being".
Well said. Pure class, what an impressive human being.
You, Sir did no harm to anyone. You gave us laughs and you where truly one great actor.
...and is still giving...
"If I could be remembered as doing little harm"....What a wonderful human being.
I wouldn't have thought of that. I feel like shit now.
Even when he was consumed by that disease his face was beautiful, especially his eyes. The soul shines through the eyes.
Mr Eddington's last statement on how he would like to be remembered says more than a 1000 words about the man!
I shouldn’t have watched this as brimming with tears. I just adored Paul Eddington. His comedy timing, his acting skills, his persona in interviews, his tall almost gentile looks. He had an elegance about him in himself and in his acting. Hearing Sam Mendes say he was a minimalist makes sense, he didn’t over act or do too much, he did just enough and was so well done. Lovely man.
Lovely comment.
I was only 9 when he died, but I’ve watched every episode of Good Life, Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister that I can. A very decent man, a VERY brilliant actor.
The simple fact that I'm still here appreciating this man's work, almost 2021 speaks volumes.
I live in China, which is thousands of miles away, but "Yes Minister" still blows my mind. It's amazing how universally appealing the show is and how its humor and ideas stay true over time. Paul Eddington have clearly made an indelible mark on the lives of millions of people around the world.
Yes, Prime Minister, is one of my all-time favorite British sitcoms. Paul was just great in that show. And even more important, he was a very kind, and gentle man. RIP Paul.
In wrestling there's a term called putting someone over , it means making them look good , that's Paul , he created space for others to make gags , plus was very funny him self
Can't stop crying over that interview in Face to Face. He was so brave, so talented and so kind.
A thoroughly decent man .... here we are 20 years later, and you cant apply that accolade to many folk in today's Age of ego driven nonsense. RIP Paul you did good ..... really good.
Excellent Brilliant program RIP Paul Eddington Derrick Fowlds and Nigel Hawthorne 🙏♥️
I'm your greatest fan in India. Sir, you not only did no harm, you gave to people happiness of the highest order. I thank You.
A true English Gentleman.
Up there with Peter Cushing.
Very true, you don’t get many people like him anymore.
Of late I became a fan of 'Yes Minister' and 'Yes, Prime Minister' and I have no hesitation in saying that Paul was most terrific among all actors of these two shows. His performance as Jim Hacker is certainly one of the best we have so far on television history. A true legend, indeed.
Growing up watching things like the Good Life and Yes Minister I always really liked Paul Eddington, especially as Jerry. I remember seeing that interview he did towards the end and was both shocked and saddened by the effect that awful disease had on his appearance, but the way he had accepted it and didn't make a fuss shows the true character of the man. One of our greatest, certainly comedic, actors dignified in defeat.
as a man who has grown up under a government with full throttle corruption. i can understand what he ment when he said i want to be remembered as a person who did very little harm. totally understand. not easy leaving this world with very little harm. well said and well put. continue to rest in power
Very impressed by the way he mentioned he wanted to be remembered as someone who has done little harm. Learnt a lot about being good person from Paul than all the gadgets available in 2020. They were simple but loved and admired. 25 years since you passed away. Rip Paul.
He maybe did not think of himself as brave but he was. What a lovely man. God rest him.
Hardly anything you watch on TV makes you want to watch it again and again. The Yes Minister series was/is phenomenal. Paul will forever make me smile. A genius cast headed by a wonderful man.
Paul was a legend, given us many laughs, a terrific human being and indeed a thorough English gentleman. I miss him dearly.
It been a while since someone made a comment here so i am honoured that I can. His epitaph was he wanted to be remembered for having done as little harm as possible in his life. This comment has inspired me to do so as well .... for many years now. I will always hold close to my heart this wonderful man who gave us so much pleasure in the work he did and the influence he had on me. R.I.P Paul....gone but not forgotten 🌈
Paul Eddington was a brilliant reactor. His face could say everything without a word of dialogue, after Margo’s put downs, Sir Humphrey’s verbal diarrhoea or Bernard’s pedantry. He was so good with the stares and double takes I’m surprised he wasn’t as well known in serious drama.
I'm American and loved him , I'm astounded that he wasn't more widely known here. His talent was unparalleled and when I discovered what a truly good person he was , it didn't surprise me a bit.
You know, in an important sense, Paul Eddington has achieved a certain immortality. Great people can define units of time; there is a pre and a post. As a discipline the performing arts has a great benchmark in Paul Eddington. Artists and audiences alike, all are richer because of Eddington. Thank you Paul.
Brings a tear to my eyes every time I see him like this. Makes me as much sad as he made me happy. RIP Minister and may u find eternal peace.
'He did very little harm' Man that cut me. He did no harm and he made me laugh, that's priceless.
They say that when we die, we leave everything behind. I disagree. I think we take memories with us. You, sirs, shall always be in the memories of not just one, but several generations. Thank you for making the lives of so many people a little bit more livable.
After having so much success and great recognition from the people all around the world, Paul in his last days still didn't needed sympathy for his skin cancer but instead he get admiration for the courage and strength while facing the death. What a great man and what a gentleman and what a loss to the world. Salute to him. May 2020
It is September 2019 and we still miss him out here in Sri Lanka and that be all, the harm of leaving us so early
'I would like to be remembered as one who has done little harm', - humility with more than a touch of greatness. An outstanding actor and human being who will be sorely missed.
exactly…RIP He ll be smiling at us through the clouds of paradise whenever we laugh at his jokes in Yes Minister… A gentleman indeed
his dignity in facing dire illness is very respectable. he's one of my favourite actor of all time.
He did no harm but a lot of good, thanks for all those wonderful performances.
"He did very little harm." Something to think on. Thank you, Mr. Eddington, for so much more than that.
scrolling down and back up through 8 years' worth of lovely comments..... *smile*
The most humble and modest, no matter how talented or successful, are ALWAYS the most courageous and true, and they're always deeply admired and loved, forever.
Thank you for posting this. I only recently even found out he had died. We have had "The Good Life" here in the US (known here as "Good Neighbors") on our Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and, more recently, "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister." It was sad to see what the cancer had done to him. But he left behind a body of work that brings much joy both in the UK and the US - and probably elsewhere. A wonderful legacy for such a man.
Heartbreaking.....what a lovely man who gave smiles to millions, including myself.
Awh his lovely wife bless her.. He was beyond wonderful as an actor.
What a man. What. A. Man.
I knew Paul Eddington died years ago but seeing his interview on Face to Face almost brought me to tears. I always enjoyed his work.
Poor Patricia...she loved him so much, and does still.
Sir Paul, you did no harm worth note, but you did an enormous amount of good. You've touched millions of people for good, you bought much laughter and joy without the cutting and sniping that so often affects men in your vocation. You are truely immortal through your work. Rest in peace Paul, you are a giant in your chosen profession and as a friend and family member.
You have been an inspiration to me throughout my career in Local Government. I watched your episodes time and time again. Never got bored of them. Every time I watched an episode, I seemed to grasp deeper meaning to every word and action that you acted out. You're truly an inspiring person, and I am happy to have known you through your series. Thank you Prime Minister...
The sort of man some us wish we were more like. RIP Paul Eddington; and thank you for the great performances -one after another!
Like a lot of people I wish I could tell him what joy he gave to my life, seeing his wonderful performances as Gerry and Jim, but I think he would have preferred a simple ''Thank You'' from us because he strikes me as a true English gentleman who doesn't seek praise. Thank you Paul, thank you.
Paul Eddington was one of a rare breed. He was a very fine actor and, as this clip shows, an even better man : humble, modest, accepting of the terrible illness which impacted upon his career and eventually ended his life,
A fine actor with wonderful comedy timing - his exchanges with Nigel Hawthorne (Sir Humphrey) are the stuff of legend. And who can forget his brilliant portrayal of Jerry, the posh neighbour along with his wife Margo (Penelope Keith) in The Good Life? I saw the tour of Home at Bath Theatre Royal when he appeared with Richard Briers and although not a comedy, they brought wit and understanding to what could have been a pretty dour evening! Thank goodness we can still enjoy his TV perforamces.
I can just imagine Bob Hawke throwing Paul Eddington onto the stage unannounced...just for the sheer fun of it 😆 A great Aussie larrikin, in the true sense of the term
Stubbled across Yes Minister on youtube by chance few days ago watched all available episodes, absolutely loved it. Paul Eddington for me represents the very best of humanity RIP. My respects from Pakistan.
He faced his own mortality with style and grace, and a quiet faith as his wife stated. I enjoyed him most as Jerry Ledbetter in The Good Life. Felicity Kendal is probably a woman most men would dream of as a life partner but here we should give our tribute to Me Eddington and that tribute comes through best by those who worked with and were closest to him that he was a man of high quality.
Another wonderful human being who didn't deserve any of the suffering he had to endure; this brought tears to my eyes.
If more people in this mad world followed Paul's example of how to live your life, the world would be a far happier and kinder place.
A brilliant actor and a great human being loved by millions of people.
What a sweet man. He was fantastic as Jerry in The Good Life, and in Yes, Minister. May he rest in peace. God, how I've LOVED Felicity Kendal from across the pond for 25 years - and seeing that little lady looking so adorable in this tribute will do nothing to end the anguish......;o)
Lovely man, a gentleman and gave so much pleasure - I love Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. That face to face interview moved me to tears. Rest in peace you good man.
A wonderful shy kind man. RIP
Rest in peace dear man, thank you so much for all you gave, and causing no harm, that made me cry. Much love to his wife and loved ones
A true gentleman and nice guy
What an absolutely modest and honest last wish. I hope that is how people will remember him.
how sad that such a lovely man was taken too soon
a wonderfully talented man who entertained us over many years. he is greatly missed.
A sweet, kind, gentleman, who was the human definition of class.
Outstanding actor but more so great human being rip Mr Paul Eddington regards from Australia
Most Celebrities would be forgotten pretty soon after their popular time has gone. Very few would be remembered even thirty years after they pass away, they are artists. Paul Eddington is definitely one of those artists.
His eyes, gleaming and clear to the end … a wonderful human being.
I too am shedding a tear for this wonderful man. He has to be with the Angels. Thank you for posting a most touching tribute.
A wonderful man. He will never be forgotten and remember only in loving affection.
The cast was first class. I enjoyed every minute of it
I have enjoyed yes minister and yes prime minister so thoroughly I watch it when I am unhappy or ill and they can always lift my spirit. Thank you Paul Eddington
Being from india...i came across the series yes minister quite late....and ii started respecting the actor for his comic performances...and ......this video...he is dead....i mean how cruel....how sad ...i knew him... just for a month...
моё сердце болит! зачем такому чудесному человеку это испытание! Пол Эддингтон всегда в моём сердце!
We danes share humour with the british. We loved Yes minister that was shown in danish TV. RIP Primeminister.
I'm Icelandic. I like British sense of humour
The soul of a human who gave the world laughter but wished to remembered for doing little harm is a beautiful thing
It was so enjoyable to see Paul Eddington act as the Minister and Prime Minister and so sad to see him struck by skin cancer. One of the finest British actors who will always be remembered and respected.
That epitaph-bit is so heartbreaking every time.
R. I. P Paul Eddington. We will never forget your blasting roles in Yes, Minister and The Good life.
What a great man and well loved by many, Yes Minister you shall be remembered as you wanted.
R.I.P Mr Eddington, you are sadly missed. Enjoying watching old episodes of The Good Life.
Why do I feel so sad watching this..all these fine actors are no more. Rest in peace gentlemen
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace. Amen.
One of the finest actor ever RIP
What a wonderful gentleman and actor !
A Life well lived ... what a remarkably humble person. Sadly no longer with us.
I still enjoy watching his performances which I think are timeless. Pure class actor, total legend and a humble and decent man. R.I.P.
Although many years on, this man is an incredible part of my life. Only today! I watched some of his many acting roles, and I feel as if he were an Uncle. He is still surely missed. There are few of his quality today.
Great actor and magnificent comic timing. What a lot of goodness and pathos in that wonderful face. I am lucky to have seen his work. He did me so much good. I may have seen his work after his death, but somehow, it has touched me just the same. He had my father's eyes and gentleness.
Such a nice guy and excellent programs x
Thank you for sharing this moving footage. Paul was such a good and supremely brave man, and a fine actor! Lovely tributes from everyone, including John Howard-Davies & Richard Briers, both of whom are no longer with us!
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A lovely sentiment at the end, and I can well believe it is true of the man himself.
Very brave of him to do the 'Face to Face' interview.What had the poor man done to warrant that terrible illness ? That little voice in ear as you ride towards your victories... 'Remember thou art mortal...'
Just finished watching Yes Minister and Yes prime Minister...enjoyed it when i was younger and still think it's one of the best BBC comedies...Such a wonderful actor and a gent..."on film,everyone lives forever"
What a man, what an actor. You sir did not do any harm to anyone may you rest in peace. Yes minister yes prime minister the good life were you sir at your best. I 2nd the sentiment I wish they were more like him on tv.
Thank you for uploading this. It means a lot to folks that enjoy his work - even to today.
So awesome. You are sorely missed.
Going through life with great dignity and respect for all. That's some personal achievement that few can say with total honesty they achieve.
What a fantastic thing to want as an epitaph. I think Mr. Eddington proably earned it. A good man.
I noticed that everyone around Paul Eddington always were in top form - Felicity, Mr Sprout, Penelope, Nigel, Derek. They were always at the top of their game with Paul in the mix - he was a great team man and a generous actor.
I’m in tears, so sad but I will remember his great performances, as I will the wonderful Richard and Derek.
a true gentle ,gentle man,the words of how he wants to be remembered,heartfelt ,i to shed many tears ,a wonderfull human being ,god bless you paul xx❤