The Voice Of Wallace From 'Wallace and Gromit' Dies Aged 96

Peter Sallis, the actor famed for his role in voicing Wallace from Wallace and Gromit, has died aged 96.

For a younger generation, and even older too, he was famed for his catchphrases in the animated series, such as: "Cracking cheese Gromit" and "All's well that ends well, that's what I say."

The legendary actor was also known for appearing in all 295 episodes of the BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine - the only person in the programme to do so. The show ran from 1973-2010.

In a statement, Jonathan Altaras Associates said: "It is with sadness that we announce that our client Peter Sallis died peacefully, with his family by his side, at Denville Hall on Friday, 2 June."

Credit: PA

He took on the role of Wallace in 1989 for the film Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out - which saw the hapless inventor and his side-kick dog, Gromit, build a rocket and fly to the moon (which was, of course, made out of cheese."

In 1993, it was followed by The Wrong Trousers and again in 1995 with A Close Shave - both were Oscar-winning.

Although there was a decade between the third film and the 2005 film Wallace and Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit it didn't stop a nation rushing to watch it.

By that time, a huge swarm of actors wanted to be part of the franchise, created by Bristol company Aardman animations. Peter Sallis was the lead role in a production that also saw Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Peter Kay also star.

Credit: PA

In 2008, the final Wallace and Gromit film, A Matter of Loaf and Death, was Sallis' last feature-length voicing Wallace.

His last act at Wallace, and indeed in the limelight, was in the TV show Wallace and Gromit's World Of Invention in 2010, after which Sallis retired from the role - the voice of Wallace was then passed to Ben Whitehead.

His television debut came in 1958 playing Samuel Pepys in The Diary Of Samuel Pepys, where he went on to star a further 16 programmes and 33 films.

Many will love and remember Sallis for his work as the bald-headed Wallace, from his spaceship travels to his chasing of Feathers McGraw. From his chasing of sheep to his combat against rabbits.

Peter Sallis made many children laugh and smile. He brought a simple character and idea to life. Rest In Peace.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Michael Minay

Mike Minay is a trending journalist at LADbible. He’s co-ordinated interviews with some of the big names from the world of news and sport including ITV’s Robert Peston, Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling and darts champion Michael van Gerwen. His reporting days began on University radio in Birmingham, before moving to BBC Sport Online – creating content for large events such as Wimbledon and the FA Cup final. Mike still commentates on Football League matches at the weekend. A Manchester LAD at heart.

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