John Robertson Hare, OBE (17 December 1891 – 25 January 1979) was an English actor, who came to fame in the Aldwych farces. He is remembered by modern audiences for his performances as the Archdeacon in the popular BBC sitcom, All Gas and Gaiters.
Short in stature and of unheroic appearance, Hare made his stage career in character roles. From his early days as an actor he was cast as older men. One of his favourite parts, which he played in the provinces before achieving West End success, was "Grumpy", a retired lawyer, in which he toured before the First World War.
After war service in the army, Hare got his big break. He was cast in a long-running farce with Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls. His meek and put-upon character was repeated in various incarnations in the eleven Aldwych farces presented by Walls between 1923 and 1933. He also appeared in film versions of most of the farces. After the Aldwych series came to an end, Hare continued to be cast in similar roles in new plays by Ben Travers and many others.
Occasionally Hare took a break from farce, appearing in revue with Benny Hill and in a musical with Frankie Howerd. His final major role was on television in the late 1960s, as the Archdeacon of St Ogg's in the BBC comedy series All Gas and Gaiters.
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1972
1968
as Dove
1968
1966
1966
as The Duke
1962
as Grimsdale
1961
as Chauffeur
1961
as Ronald Fortescue
1961
as Mr. Piggott
1956
as Photographer
1953
as Professor Gibble
1952
as Sitter in Bath Studio
1951
as Humphrey Proudfoot
1948
as Vincent Ebury
1944
as Sir Timothy Strawbridge
1943
as Wilmer Popday
1942
as Willoughby Pink
1940
as Mr Anyman
1939
as Henry Honeycutt
1938
as Dear Mr. Binky Rudd
1937
as Herbert Holly
1937
1936
as Lionel Fitch
1936
1935
as Mr. Hardy Hornett
1935
1935
as Duck
1935
as Rupert Boddy
1935
as Henry Butterworth
1934
as Clement Peck
1934
as Allister
1934
as Ernest Ramsbottom
1933
as Edwin Stoatt
1933
as Rev. Sloley Jones
1933
as Ralph Lightfoot
1932
as Hook
1932
as Miles Tuckett
1930
as Chesterman
1930
as Oswald Veal
1930
as Hedworth
1930
as Harold Twine