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Janet Davies (actress)

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Cause of death
  
Breast cancer

Spouse
  
Ian Gardiner (m. ?–1986)

Role
  
Actress

Name
  
Janet Davies

Years active
  
1960-1986


Janet Davies (actress)

Born
  
14 September 1927 (
1927-09-14
)

Died
  
September 22, 1986, Bromley, United Kingdom

Movies and TV shows
  
Similar People
  
Edward Sinclair, Frank Williams, James Beck, Arnold Ridley, Colin Bean

Janet Kathleen Davies (14 September 1927 – 22 September 1986) was an English actress best known for her recurring role as Mrs. Pike in the long-running sitcom Dad's Army.

Contents

Janet Davies (actress) Janet Davies

Although mainly remembered for her role in Dad's Army, appearing in 30 episodes of the series, she also featured in many other television and film roles including Dixon of Dock Green, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, All Creatures Great and Small, Last of the Summer Wine, Z-Cars, The Citadel, Pride and Prejudice, Open All Hours, Are You Being Served?, and in the films The Ghost Goes Gear (1966) and Interlude (1968). Davies was upset that she did not appear in the film version of Dad’s Army (1971) in which her character was played by Liz Fraser.

Janet Davies (actress) Janet Davies

When she was not acting, Davies exploited her typing and shorthand training by working with various theatrical agencies. She was married to the actor Ian Gardiner, who was best known for having played Reginald Molehusband in a Central Office of Information public information film in the 1960s.

Janet Davies (actress) Janet Davies

She died on 22 September 1986, aged 59, from breast cancer which had metastasised to her lungs.

Early life

Davies was born in Wakefield, West Riding of Yorkshire. Her father, a solicitor, died in his early thirties, and as a result she was sent to boarding school. She began training as a solicitor but left and qualified as a shorthand typist instead. She worked as a BBC secretary for two years, assigned to programmes including Dick Barton before eventually moving into repertory in 1948, appearing at Leatherhead, Watford, Shrewsbury, Bedford and Northampton.

Dad's Army

Davies was a client of the theatrical agent, Ann Callender, and also worked as a secretary for Callender whenever she was short of work. Callender was the wife of TV producer David Croft, the director, co-writer and producer of Dad's Army. Croft said that Davies "hastened to suggest herself for the part. After all, being in the office where the script first saw the light of day, she knew the requirements well." Davies went to see Croft in order to read for the part. Croft recalled that "She seemed to be just the right age and type to play the role."

Davies played the doting mother of Private Frank Pike (Ian Lavender), Mrs Pike, in 30 episodes of the sitcom, with her story lines mainly involving her relationship with Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier) and her 'mollycoddling' of her son, much to the annoyance of Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe). Her first appearance is in the first episode, The Man and the Hour, and her last is in the final episode, Never Too Old.

For the film version of Dad's Army (1971), Liz Frazer was cast as Mrs Pike. This decision was made by the director, Norman Cohen, who wanted a less 'homely' actress for the role. The recasting was very controversial and one of the changes imposed by backers Columbia Pictures that added to the unhappiness of the cast. Co-writer of the television series, Jimmy Perry, has said "It was a mistake...not to cast Janet in the role because the viewing public has come to recognize her as Mrs. Pike. But that was a decision made by Columbia".

Illness and death

Davies died on 28 September 1986, aged 59, from breast cancer which had metastasized to her lungs. Her Dad's Army co-star, Bill Pertwee, said that she "spent her last days in a hospice and died peacefully" adding that she was a "lovely woman".

Filmography

Actress
1986
Terry on the Fence as
Usher
1986
Bread (TV Series) as
D.H.S.S. Claimant
- Episode #1.1 (1986) - D.H.S.S. Claimant (as Jan Davies)
1985
That's My Boy (TV Series) as
Mrs. Lacey
- The Bypass (1986) - Mrs. Lacey (as Jan Davies)
- Hello Young Mothers (1985) - Mrs. Lacey (as Jan Davies)
1983
Don't Wait Up (TV Series) as
Florrie
- Episode #3.7 (1986) - Florrie
- Episode #1.3 (1983) - Florrie
1985
Terry and June (TV Series) as
Customer
- New Doors for Old (1985) - Customer (as Jan Davies)
1985
I Woke Up One Morning (TV Series) as
Mrs. Hughes
- Episode #1.1 (1985) - Mrs. Hughes (as Jan Davies)
1983
Death of an Expert Witness (TV Mini Series) as
Mrs. Winifred Swaffield
- Episode #1.4 (1983) - Mrs. Winifred Swaffield
1983
The Citadel (TV Mini Series) as
Mrs. Watkins
- Part 2 (1983) - Mrs. Watkins
- Part 1 (1983) - Mrs. Watkins
1983
Mr. Right (TV Series) as
Waitress
- Episode #1.4 (1983) - Waitress
- Episode #1.3 (1983) - Waitress
- Episode #1.2 (1983) - Waitress
- Episode #1.1 (1983) - Waitress
1982
The Professionals (TV Series) as
Roz Hatch
- You'll Be All Right (1982) - Roz Hatch
1982
Nobody's Perfect (TV Series) as
Mrs. Barrington
- Bill Takes A Job (1982) - Mrs. Barrington
1982
Open All Hours (TV Series) as
Mrs. Blake
- The Man from Down Under (1982) - Mrs. Blake
1981
Wilfred and Eileen (TV Series) as
Jenny
- Episode #1.2 (1981) - Jenny
1981
Something in Disguise (TV Series) as
Mrs. Green
- An Old Devil (1981) - Mrs. Green
- One Fine Day (1981) - Mrs. Green
- A New Life (1981) - Mrs. Green
1981
The Dick Emery Show (TV Series)
- Episode #19.6 (1981)
1980
Nice Work (TV Series) as
Woman neighbour
- Kill the Fatted Hen (1980) - Woman neighbour
1980
Pride and Prejudice (TV Mini Series) as
Mrs. Hill
- Episode #1.5 (1980) - Mrs. Hill
1979
Testament of Youth (TV Mini Series) as
Sarah
- Buxton 1914 (1979) - Sarah
- Buxton 1913 (1979) - Sarah
1979
Rosie (TV Series) as
Violet
- Happy Birthday, Mr Chizlehurst (1979) - Violet
1978
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin (TV Series) as
Ethel Merman
- Communal Social Evenings (1978) - Ethel Merman
1962
Z Cars (TV Series) as
Mrs. Pagett / Molly / Mrs. Garrett / ...
- Fat Freddie B.A. (1978) - Molly
- Person to Person: Part 2 (1968) - Mrs. Pagett
- Person to Person: Part 1 (1968) - Mrs. Pagett
- A Shame to Take the Money (1965) - Mrs. Garrett
- On Watch - Newtown (1962) - Valerie Jolliffe
- Affray (1962) - Mary Russell
1976
Angels (TV Series) as
Liz Thomas / Saleswoman
- The Visitor (1978) - Liz Thomas
- Patterns (1976) - Saleswoman
1978
All Creatures Great and Small (TV Series) as
Mrs. Dalby
- Advice & Consent (1978) - Mrs. Dalby
- Golden Lads and Girls (1978) - Mrs. Dalby
- Nothing Like Experience (1978) - Mrs. Dalby
1968
Dad's Army (TV Series) as
Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Never Too Old (1977) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Knights of Madness (1977) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Making of Private Pike (1977) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Love of Three Oranges (1976) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- High Finance (1975) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- When You've Got to Go (1975) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Turkey Dinner (1974) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Godiva Affair (1974) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Honourable Man (1973) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- My British Buddy (1973) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- A. Wilson (Manager)? (1970) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Mum's Army (1970) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Absent Friends (1970) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Sgt - Save My Boy! (1970) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Boots, Boots, Boots (1970) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Big Parade (1970) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Man Hunt (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- War Dance (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Something Nasty in the Vault (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Bullet Is Not for Firing (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Lion Has 'Phones (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Armoured Might of Lance Corporal Jones (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Under Fire (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Sgt. Wilson's Little Secret (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Operation Kilt (1969) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Shooting Pains (1968) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Showing Up of Corporal Jones (1968) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Museum Piece (1968) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
- The Man and the Hour (1968) - Mrs. Mavis Pike
1976
Lucky Feller (TV Series) as
Wedding Guest / 1st Woman
- The Wedding (1976) - Wedding Guest
- Kath's Family (1976) - 1st Woman
1976
Seal Island as
Publican's Wife
1975
CBS Children's Film Festival (TV Series) as
Mother
- What Next? (1975) - Mother
1975
The Hiding Place as
Mrs. Beukers (uncredited)
1975
Sadie, It's Cold Outside (TV Series) as
Receptionist
- Episode #1.3 (1975) - Receptionist
1975
Last of the Summer Wine (TV Series) as
Miss Jones
- Some Enchanted Evening (1975) - Miss Jones
- Who's That Dancing with Nora Batty Then? (1975) - Miss Jones
1975
In This House of Brede (TV Movie) as
Mrs. Scanlon
1973
Play for Today (TV Series) as
Nurse / Rose
- Breath (1975) - Nurse
- Song at Twilight (1973) - Rose
1974
What Next? as
Mother
1974
Horizon (TV Series documentary) as
School Teacher
- Joey (1974) - School Teacher
1974
Childhood (TV Series) as
Gertie
- Possessions (1974) - Gertie
1974
Marked Personal (TV Series) as
Gwyneth Morgan
- Episode #1.22 (1974) - Gwyneth Morgan
- Episode #1.21 (1974) - Gwyneth Morgan
1974
Vienna 1900 (TV Mini Series) as
Frau Garlan
- The Spring Sonata (1974) - Frau Garlan
1973
Casanova '73 (TV Series) as
Man opposite's wife
- Episode #1.5 (1973) - Man opposite's wife
1973
Helen: A Woman of Today (TV Series) as
Solicitor's Secretary
- Parents (1973) - Solicitor's Secretary
1973
Hey Brian! (TV Series)
- Episode #1.6 (1973)
1973
Are You Being Served? (TV Series) as
The Outsize Dress
- Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend (1973) - The Outsize Dress
1973
The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (TV Series) as
Perkins
- Cell 13 (1973) - Perkins
1973
Fish (TV Mini Series) as
Mrs. Price
- Fetch the Paper Floss (1973) - Mrs. Price
- I Need Somewhere to Hide (1973) - Mrs. Price
- The Dog Must Go- (1973) - Mrs. Price
- I Am Going to Keep Her- (1973) - Mrs. Price
1964
Dixon of Dock Green (TV Series) as
Mrs. Baker / Mrs. Perryman / May Nelson / ...
- Findings Keepings (1972) - Mrs. Baker
- Copper's Luck (1969) - Mrs. Perryman
- The Prospective Candidate (1968) - May Nelson
- The Run (1967) - Mrs. Thomas
- A Friend in Need (1964) - Mrs. White
- A Right Artful Monkey (1964) - Mrs. Walters
1971
Under Milk Wood as
Mrs. Sarah
1968
Gazette (TV Series) as
Mrs. Goodison
- It's All Happening (1968) - Mrs. Goodison
1968
Interlude as
Nanny
1968
Champion House (TV Series) as
Miss. Jennings
- Pilot Error (1968) - Miss. Jennings
1967
The Gamblers (TV Series) as
Anne
- Tycoon of the Year (1967) - Anne
1967
Beggar My Neighbour (TV Series) as
Typist
- No Bed of Rose's (1967) - Typist
1967
Dr. Finlay's Casebook (TV Series) as
Nurse
- The Forgotten Enemy (1967) - Nurse
1966
The Ghost Goes Gear as
Cockney Wife (uncredited)
1965
Gideon C.I.D. (TV Series) as
Nurse
- Fall High Fall Hard (1965) - Nurse (uncredited)
1963
The Saint (TV Series) as
Pearl
- Marcia (1963) - Pearl
1963
Festival (TV Series) as
Mrs. Walsh
- I Want to Go Home (1963) - Mrs. Walsh
1963
The Desperate People (TV Series) as
Joyce Naylor
- Episode #1.5 (1963) - Joyce Naylor
1961
Emergency-Ward 10 (TV Series) as
Anne French
- Episode #1.420 (1961) - Anne French
1960
The Citadel (TV Mini Series) as
Neighbour
- Episode #1.2 (1960) - Neighbour
- Episode #1.1 (1960) - Neighbour
1960
Police Surgeon (TV Series) as
Welsh Woman
- Lag on the Run (1960) - Welsh Woman
1960
Arthur's Treasured Volumes (TV Series) as
Miss Tiddy
- The Curse of the Bellfoots (1960) - Miss Tiddy
1959
The Girl on the Switchboard (TV Movie) as
Maureen
1959
BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (TV Series) as
Miss Beaumont
- The Driving Force (1959) - Miss Beaumont
1953
The Love Match (TV Movie) as
Motorist
Self
1975
The Royal Variety Performance (TV Special) as
Mrs. Pike
1971
This Is Your Life (TV Series documentary) as
Self - Guest
- Clive Dunn (1971) - Self - Guest
Archive Footage
2008
Comedy Connections (TV Series documentary) as
Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Dad's Army (2008) - Mrs. Mavis Pike (uncredited)
2008
Jonathan Ross Salutes 'Dad's Army' (TV Movie documentary) as
Mrs. Mavis Pike (uncredited)
1997
Selection Box (TV Series) as
Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Dad's Army (1997) - Mrs. Mavis Pike (uncredited)
1995
Omnibus (TV Series documentary) as
Mrs. Mavis Pike
- Perry & Croft: The Sitcoms (1995) - Mrs. Mavis Pike (uncredited)

References

Janet Davies (actress) Wikipedia