English actor, comedian, artist and author, born 9 January 1920 Brixton, London, England, died 6 November 2012 in Faro, Algarve, Portugal.
Cousin of Gretchen Franklin
He was a POW in Austria for 4 years during WWII
David Jason was apparently considered for Dunns most famous role, that of Jones on the BBC series "Dads Army" .
His character in "Dads Army" , Corporal Jones was based on a real life character.
Was only about 50 when he was playing Corporal Jones who was meant to be in his 70s.
Has often played older people.
Had a hit with the song, "Grandad". It topped the British charts in the early 70s and was used in his TV show of the same name. The song remained on the charts for 28 weeks.
He was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1975 Queens Birthday Honours List for his services to drama.
A staunch socialist, Dunn often clashed with conservative fellow "Dads Army" star, Arthur Lowe , off-the-set.
He spent his last three decades in Portugal, where he painted portraits, landscapes, and seascapes until his eyesight failed.
While a POW during WWII, he became a medical orderly. Since he could speak some German, he was the prisoners spokesman.
Born into a show-business family. His parents were comedian & baritone Robert (Bobby) Dunn and comedienne Connie Clive, and his maternal grandfather was music hall comedian Frank Lynne.
(September 2003) Is now living a quiet life in Portugal.
