Biographie

At one point, due to illness, it was necessary for him to take a leave of absence from portraying his character of Giles French during the popular run of Cher oncle Bill (1966). He was temporarily replaced by veteran British character actor John Williams, as French's brother Nigel, or Niles. His absence was explained as Giles being summoned to assist the Queen (of England).

After leaving school at age 14, he never had another day of formal education, and later worked as a chef - which helped bring on his growth to 260 pounds - and spent three years as a professional wrestler in London before World War II, an activity ended by an injury.

Highly popular with the Disney franchise, he worked well in voice roles (Bagheera in Le Livre de la jungle (1967); the narrator of Winnie the Pooh tales; the voice of Sir Ector in Merlin l'Enchanteur (1963).

Entertained the troops during World War II.

For an actor who specialised in elegant and upper-class, educated roles, he was actually born a working-class Londoner.

Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in their enchanted place on top of the forest, a little bear will always be waiting.

This could be the room of any small boy, but it just happens to belong to a boy named Christopher Robin. Like most small boys, Christopher Robin has toy animals to play with, and they all live together in a wonderful world of make-believe. But his best friend is a bear called Winnie the Pooh, or Pooh, for short. Now, Pooh had some very unusual adventures, and they all happened right here in the Hundred-Acre Wood.

Yes, the time has come at last. Christopher Robin was heading off to school. No one else in the forest knew why or where he was going, just that it had something to do with twice-times, and how to make things called ABCs, and where a place called Brazil is.

Now, the very blustery night turned into a very rainy night. And Pooh kept his lonely vigil, hour, after hour, after hour - until at last - Pooh fell fast asleep - and began to dream.

Rabbit was now a humiliated rabbit, a lost-and-found rabbit, and a "Why, oh why do these things happen to me?" rabbit.