Brian Wilde: Biography, Last of the Summer Wine & Porridge

If you grew up watching British sitcoms, you probably remember Foggy—the blustering, beret-wearing major from Last of the Summer Wine. That character was brought to life by Brian Wilde, a quiet and private actor who spent decades entertaining millions. This article looks beyond the screen to explore why Wilde left the show, how he got on with co‑star Bill Owen, and what his later years looked like, separating fact from rumour about his departure, family, and legacy.

Born: 13 June 1927 · Died: 20 March 2008 (aged 80) · Known for: Foggy in Last of the Summer Wine, Mr Barrowclough in Porridge

Six key facts give a quick overview of Brian Wilde’s life and career.

Why did actor Brian Wilde leave Last of the Summer Wine?

Why was Foggy written out of Last of the Summer Wine?

Brian Wilde first joined the series in 1975 as Walter “Foggy” Dewhurst, filling the role after Michael Bates left (Televisual). He became part of the trio with Bill Owen and Peter Sallis. Wilde’s departure in 1985 has been the subject of much fan speculation. According to several accounts, the reason was a strained off‑set relationship with Bill Owen (Wikipedia). Some sources also mention that Wilde’s wife’s health concerns contributed to his decision to leave (Express). The character Foggy was written out after series 8.

Was there a falling out between Brian Wilde and Bill Owen?

Multiple fan discussions point to a falling out, but no official confirmation exists. According to a post on SummerWine.net, Wilde “reportedly had a very strained relationship with Bill Owen” and that this was “the real reason he left.” However, these are anecdotal reports. The historian Robert Ross commented on Facebook that Wilde also left because he contracted shingles, a painful condition that made filming difficult. The exact cause likely involved a mix of personal and health factors.

Did Brian Wilde get on with Bill Owen?

Did Brian Wilde attend Bill Owen’s funeral?

Bill Owen died in 1999. According to several sources, Brian Wilde did not attend the funeral (British Comedy Classics). This absence is often cited as evidence of a rift, though Wilde was a very private man who rarely attended public events. The two men, though they portrayed close friends on screen, had a relationship that was at best professional.

Did Peter Sallis get on with Bill Owen?

Peter Sallis, who played Clegg, had a civil but not particularly warm relationship with Owen. In his autobiography, Sallis described Owen as “a difficult man” but acknowledged his talent (Wikiwand). The tension among the trio was a known undercurrent, yet they delivered some of British television’s most beloved comedy.

Is Andrew Wilde related to Brian Wilde?

Who is Andrew Wilde?

Andrew Wilde is a British actor born in 1965, but there is no evidence linking him to Brian Wilde. His IMDb biography does not mention Brian Wilde as a relative, and no credible source has confirmed a family connection. The two share a surname, but that appears to be a coincidence.

What did Brian Wilde die of?

What was Brian Wilde’s net worth?

Brian Wilde’s net worth is not publicly documented. As a jobbing actor who worked steadily but not in blockbuster films, he likely lived comfortably but not extravagantly. No estate records have been published.

What was Brian Wilde’s height?

His height is estimated at around 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) from on‑set photographs and comparison with co‑stars. No official listing exists.

Did Brian Wilde serve in World War Two?

Brian Wilde was born in 1927, so he would have been 12 when the war ended. No verifiable records confirm military service. He began his acting career in the 1950s, after his school years.

According to Wikipedia, Wilde died on 20 March 2008 at age 80; the cause was reported as natural causes, with no further details released.

Are any of the Last of the Summer Wine cast still alive?

What illness did Peter Sallis have?

Peter Sallis suffered from Parkinson’s disease in his later years and died in 2017 at the age of 96 (BBC).

Which cast members are still alive as of 2025?

As of 2025, no main cast member from the original 1973 series is still alive. Supporting actors like Nicky Henson (who played various roles) died in 2019, and others have also passed. The show ended in 2010, and its core trio—Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Brian Wilde—are all deceased.

The pattern is clear: Brian Wilde’s legacy is bigger than any one role. For fans of British sitcoms, the choice is between remembering Foggy as a comic icon or digging deeper into the real‑life tensions that shaped the show. The takeaway: Wilde’s quiet decency off‑screen made his bluster on‑screen all the more brilliant.