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Bernard Who? 75 Years of Doing Just About Everything
'Essential' DAILY MAIL CELEBRITY BIOGRAPHIES OF THE YEAR'The book reads like it's Bernard sitting down and telling a story' Steve Wright, BBC Radio 2'A fitting celebration of one of our most versatile and enduring acting talents' Sunday Express'A rollicking good read - charming, unassuming and full of amiable, homespun wit' The OldieThe long-awaited autobiography of national treasure Bernard Cribbins.Bernard Cribbins's life has been an eventful one. In 1943, he left school aged fourteen and joined Oldham Repertory Company where he earned fifteen bob for a seventy-hour week. After being called up for National Service in 1946 he became a paratrooper and spent several months in Palestine being shot at. On returning home, and to the theatre, Bernard was eventually approached by George Martin, then an A&R man for Parlophone Records, who suggested he made a record. Just months away from producing The Beatles, Martin asked Bernard to come to Abbey Road Studios in north London and, after teaching him how to sing into a microphone, they eventually recorded two hit singles - 'The Hole in the Ground' and 'Right Said Fred'. These, together with appearances in now classic films such as Two Way Stretch and The Wrong Arm of the Law (not to mention a certain television programme called Jackanory), catapulted Bernard to stardom and, by the time he started filming The Railway Children in 1970, he was already a national treasure.Since then, Bernard's CV has been an A-Z of the best entertainment that Britain has to offer, and, thanks to programmes such as the aforementioned Jackanory, The Wombles, and, more recently, Old Jack's Boat, he has become the voice of many millions of childhoods. Seventy-five years in the making and packed with entertaining anecdotes, Bernard Who? tells the wonderful story of one of the longest and most celebrated careers in show business.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2018
40 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cribbins
67 books5 followersBernard Joseph Cribbins OBE (29 December 1928 – 27 July 2022) was an English actor and singer whose career spanned seven decades.
During the 1960s, Cribbins became known in the UK for his successful novelty records including "The Hole in the Ground" and "Right Said Fred" and appearances in comedy films including Two-Way Stretch (1960) and the Carry On series. His other screen roles include Albert Perks in The Railway Children (1970), barman Felix Forsythe in Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy (1972) and pretentious hotel guest Mr. Hutchinson in the Fawlty Towers episode "The Hotel Inspectors" (1975). On television, he was a regular and prolific reader for the BBC series Jackanory from 1966 to 1991, he narrated the children's programme The Wombles (1973–1975) and played the title role in the CBeebies series Old Jack's Boat (2013–2015).
In the 1966 film Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., Cribbins portrayed Tom Campbell, a companion to Dr. Who. Forty-one years later, he began appearing in the revival series of Doctor Who as Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of regular companion Donna Noble and a temporary companion to the Tenth Doctor.
In 2018 his autobiography, Bernard Who? 75 Years Of Doing Just About Anything, was published by Constable. A successful social media campaign in 2022 led to his autobiography being recorded as an audiobook, with Cribbins as the narrator.
During the 1960s, Cribbins became known in the UK for his successful novelty records including "The Hole in the Ground" and "Right Said Fred" and appearances in comedy films including Two-Way Stretch (1960) and the Carry On series. His other screen roles include Albert Perks in The Railway Children (1970), barman Felix Forsythe in Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy (1972) and pretentious hotel guest Mr. Hutchinson in the Fawlty Towers episode "The Hotel Inspectors" (1975). On television, he was a regular and prolific reader for the BBC series Jackanory from 1966 to 1991, he narrated the children's programme The Wombles (1973–1975) and played the title role in the CBeebies series Old Jack's Boat (2013–2015).
In the 1966 film Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., Cribbins portrayed Tom Campbell, a companion to Dr. Who. Forty-one years later, he began appearing in the revival series of Doctor Who as Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of regular companion Donna Noble and a temporary companion to the Tenth Doctor.
In 2018 his autobiography, Bernard Who? 75 Years Of Doing Just About Anything, was published by Constable. A successful social media campaign in 2022 led to his autobiography being recorded as an audiobook, with Cribbins as the narrator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 16, 2021
It was a very good read. I had no idea how much work he has done. Very interesting
October 21, 2018
The words "national treasure" are banded about a lot these days but Cribbins is certainly deserving of the label - the book's tagline is accurate enough; he really has done everything (from being a paratrooper, playing a serious role a Hitchcock film, to narrating the Wombles).
Most of all, he seems to be a genuinely nice man. He rarely has a bad word to say about any of the seemingly countless number of "names" he has worked with. Despite acknowledging that Peter Sellars became "a prick" after becoming famous in Hollywood, Cribbins highlights that Sellars was good to him and was "a genius".
The book loses its way a little bit towards the end. Wasn't that interested in Cribbins' charity golf or cricket matches with his famous chums to be honest (to be fair, Cribbins does make a point of keeping it brief because he knows that people won't be that interested).
All in all an interesting read of man who is quite happy to take on whatever work came his way. He did seem to be quite keen for people to know he was still available for work...
Most of all, he seems to be a genuinely nice man. He rarely has a bad word to say about any of the seemingly countless number of "names" he has worked with. Despite acknowledging that Peter Sellars became "a prick" after becoming famous in Hollywood, Cribbins highlights that Sellars was good to him and was "a genius".
The book loses its way a little bit towards the end. Wasn't that interested in Cribbins' charity golf or cricket matches with his famous chums to be honest (to be fair, Cribbins does make a point of keeping it brief because he knows that people won't be that interested).
All in all an interesting read of man who is quite happy to take on whatever work came his way. He did seem to be quite keen for people to know he was still available for work...
April 11, 2019
Loved it. It felt like I was listening to him just chat away. What a life!
January 17, 2023
Wonderful. Funny, sad, entertaining, informative. Loved it and didn't want it to end.
March 9, 2024
Bernard Cribbins was an English actor and singer whose career spanned seven decades. This book is his own story, in his own words. From his teenage years working in the Oldham Repertory Company, through National Service (where he became a paratrooper and spent several months in Palestine being shot at) to a long life in theatre, radio, film & television with a couple of hit singles on the way!
His voice is known to many generations of children as the voice of Tufty the road safety squirrel, the Wombles, over 100 Jackanory episodes and most recently “Old Jack’s Boat” where he tells stories to Salty the dog. To another generation he is fondly remembered as the gentle station master in The Railway Children, or the singer of the novelty song “Right Said Fred” (let's have another cup of tea) but he’s appeared in everything from Doctor Who to Coronation Street to Fawlty Towers and three Carry On films! He is the only person to appear as a companion to two different doctors.
The book is full of anecdotes and humour. The writing style is conversational and informal, it’s like having a chat with him. Events are not presented chronologically and every now and then there’s an “oh, I must tell you about this” moment. This is far from distracting, it actually adds to the charm of the book!
Overall, this is an interesting insight into a true National Treasure (the words "national treasure" are overused these days, but Cribbins is certainly deserving of the label!)
I would have LOVED this book if it had been narrated by Cribbins but I understand that whilst he intended to do this, recording was incomplete at the time of his death. The narrator Gordon Griffin did a great job and definitely channelled the essence of Cribbins, even if the voice wasn’t *quite* right!
His voice is known to many generations of children as the voice of Tufty the road safety squirrel, the Wombles, over 100 Jackanory episodes and most recently “Old Jack’s Boat” where he tells stories to Salty the dog. To another generation he is fondly remembered as the gentle station master in The Railway Children, or the singer of the novelty song “Right Said Fred” (let's have another cup of tea) but he’s appeared in everything from Doctor Who to Coronation Street to Fawlty Towers and three Carry On films! He is the only person to appear as a companion to two different doctors.
The book is full of anecdotes and humour. The writing style is conversational and informal, it’s like having a chat with him. Events are not presented chronologically and every now and then there’s an “oh, I must tell you about this” moment. This is far from distracting, it actually adds to the charm of the book!
Overall, this is an interesting insight into a true National Treasure (the words "national treasure" are overused these days, but Cribbins is certainly deserving of the label!)
I would have LOVED this book if it had been narrated by Cribbins but I understand that whilst he intended to do this, recording was incomplete at the time of his death. The narrator Gordon Griffin did a great job and definitely channelled the essence of Cribbins, even if the voice wasn’t *quite* right!
November 8, 2021
Bernard Gribbins is a National Treasure. The UK's favourite Grandad, possibly due his appearances in the more recent Dr Who. I remember him as a child when he told stories on British TV in the programme, Jackanory. These times and others are related in this memoir.
Nothing is in chronological order and he does flip flop about as something else springs into his mind.
The writing style is conversational as if the author had invited the reader in for a cup of tea.
Plenty of anecdotes and hardly a bad word about anybody, although in some cases it's clear he would like to.
For me there wasn't enough about his involvement in the film, The Railway Children, possibly his most famous role as the station master.
If you have lived as long as Gribbins you can't include everything and leave the book a reasonable length.
For once a book that's not overwritten.
Nothing is in chronological order and he does flip flop about as something else springs into his mind.
The writing style is conversational as if the author had invited the reader in for a cup of tea.
Plenty of anecdotes and hardly a bad word about anybody, although in some cases it's clear he would like to.
For me there wasn't enough about his involvement in the film, The Railway Children, possibly his most famous role as the station master.
If you have lived as long as Gribbins you can't include everything and leave the book a reasonable length.
For once a book that's not overwritten.
November 5, 2018
Does what it says on the tin,good autobiography from one of the UK,s best known jobbing actors.Liked by children through Jackanory and teenagers (Dr Who),Wombles many TV adverts and comedy series he has done it all but still comes across as a very humble man who cannot believe his good fortune.
Not sure if those readers outside the UK know who he is but a institution over here.
Plenty of anecdotes and as you read you can imagine him saying the words in his distinctive way.Oh all this and he has had Music Chart success too .
Enjoyed it immensely,not great literacy but good fun.
Not sure if those readers outside the UK know who he is but a institution over here.
Plenty of anecdotes and as you read you can imagine him saying the words in his distinctive way.Oh all this and he has had Music Chart success too .
Enjoyed it immensely,not great literacy but good fun.
January 3, 2019
Subtitled ’75 years of doing just about everything’ and really that sums up the content of the book. It’s less of an autobiography than a series of often amusing anecdotes attached to the various acting jobs he’s done and people that he’s met. And all the better for that as autobiographies can often seem to be a case of name-dropping. It’s a nice light read and Mr Cribbins, who describes himself as a mere jobbing actor, comes across as a thoroughly nice chap who think’s himself lucky to be still working at the age of 90.
January 29, 2019
Another very enjoyable autobiography, this time from a national treasure. It's amazing just how much Bernard has done on Radio, TV, Stage, Film and on records! Rather like the recent Roger Daltrey autobiography I read, it does come across very friendly and chatty. I said about Daltrey's book that it was like chatting to a mate down the pub, this is very similar, only this is more like sitting round your Grandads with a mug of tea and some biscuits listening to him reminiscing about the good old days. A lovely read from someone who comes across as a lovely bloke.
August 25, 2020
I have always liked Bernard Cribbins since i saw him in the early carry on films Jack and Spying. He is one of those people that whatever he turns his hand to, he is excellent at. from doing the Carry on Films to singing and dancing (even producing a top ten single). This is a wonderful read and definitely a book i found hard to put down. Its written very well and is laid out in almost chronological order, with some amazing photos too. I just loved it and i would recommend this to anyone. Great read :)
August 12, 2022
I was sorry to hear of the death of Bernard Cribbins. He was such a big part of my childhood - as the voice of The Wombles, narrating stories in Jackanory and my absolute favourite, as Perks in The Railway Children amongst many other things. In more recent times I loved him as Wilfred in Doctor Who. I very much enjoyed this, his autobiography (suitably subtitled 75 Years of Doing Just About Everything) which takes the reader through his varied career, including stories from his personal life too. RIP, Mr Cribbins.
September 12, 2024
This a really good and enjoyable autobiography to read. The writing was fantastic and you could feel like you were in the room being told these stories and anecdotes. Bernard Cribbins character really came out in this book and made you feel that you would have loved to meet him and he came a cross as such a warm, friendly and caring person. It was great to learn about his early life and experiences, also all the great roles which he has played including classic Dr Who and modern series. A recommended read.
August 12, 2019
I doubt there's a person alive in Blighty who won't know who Bernard Cribbins is. For my generation he was a constant face on TV - Carry On films, Doctor Who Dalek Invasion of the Earth, Jackanory and more recently Doctor Who with Catherine Tate and David Tennant. This was a great read and you could hear BC's voice in every sentence. Lots of lovely anecdotes and will leave you with a smile on your face. What a lovely human being!
June 5, 2020
Love Bernard Cribbins and as for so many people he definitely featured lots in my childhood, Wombles, Carry On Films, Railway Children etc. I enjoyed his stories, I mean the man has met and worked with some greats, Peter Sellers, John Cleese, Alfred Hitchcock and many more. The book isn't amazing, it isn't long, it could have had more but it's a great read. It has been an interesting life and he tells lots of good stories.
March 28, 2021
You cannot help but think, as you read the life of Bernard Cribbins, that he is on Jackanory telling you his own story, in his own imitable style which grabs your interest and keeps your attention to the very last page. When he appeared on Dr Who in the David Tennant years, I was most definitely aware that he appeared with Peter Cushing in the second film version some decades earlier. Bernard Cribbins has always seemed an affable likeable chap and this autobiography confirms that.
October 2, 2021
A really enjoyable and affectionately written memoir. I've seen Cribbins in a few films over the years so know very well who he is but this adds lots of interesting anecdotes and details to his career trajectory. It's written in a warm and conversational style with jokes and humour on every page and Cribbins comes across as completely irresistable. As a result this is one of the most enjoyable celebrity autobiographies you'll encounter.
January 9, 2023
Absolute legend.
For many people, Bernard Cribbins was as much a part of their childhood as any family member.
As well as the voice of the Wombles and the man with most appearances in Jackonory, Bernard also appeared in numerous other tv shows and films, had top ten records and had two stints as an assistant to Doctor Who.
Written in a very laid back, self-deprecating conversational manner, this was a complete joy to read.
For many people, Bernard Cribbins was as much a part of their childhood as any family member.
As well as the voice of the Wombles and the man with most appearances in Jackonory, Bernard also appeared in numerous other tv shows and films, had top ten records and had two stints as an assistant to Doctor Who.
Written in a very laid back, self-deprecating conversational manner, this was a complete joy to read.
April 3, 2023
This autobiography was like sitting down with Bernard for a few tales. I really enjoyed reading about his life and works and all the incredible little stories he had to tell about the business. Reading about his early life in Oldham and time in National Service was probably the highlight for me.
I like an autobiography with this kind of style, it keeps everything flowing and made reading it a breeze. Loved everything about it - a very fun little read.
I like an autobiography with this kind of style, it keeps everything flowing and made reading it a breeze. Loved everything about it - a very fun little read.
December 24, 2024
A conversational memoir with Bernard reminiscing about his life. He doesn't go too deep and is largely upbeat making this a light read. In some ways he had the ideal acting career: diverse roles with enough steady work that he could live a comfortable life indulging in things he loved to do. I'm mostly familiar with him from Doctor Who although it seems I've seen him in a number of films without realizing it.
April 3, 2019
A lovely book!
I really enjoyed this book,a nice look into Bernard's life and career with many interesting and fun facts.
I read it in two days and found it hard to put down,Bernard mentions the films and people he has worked with and met...what a cast!!
A lovely,humble man telling his story in a conversational way.
Most enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this book,a nice look into Bernard's life and career with many interesting and fun facts.
I read it in two days and found it hard to put down,Bernard mentions the films and people he has worked with and met...what a cast!!
A lovely,humble man telling his story in a conversational way.
Most enjoyable.
April 21, 2022
A gentle telling of the life and career of one of the stalwarts of British, theatre, film, and television. The author comes over as one of life's true gents, and a decent northern bloke. There's no scandal or shock, just funny experiences, great friends, and loving relationships.
If you have any interest in British cinema and TV from the 1960s to 1990s it's worth a read.
If you have any interest in British cinema and TV from the 1960s to 1990s it's worth a read.
August 24, 2022
I ordered this after Bernard died, because I knew very little about him other than The Railway Children and Dr Who. He always seemed a lovely man, and that comes through in this book, you can almost hear him telling you the anecdotes himself. And he had such a full life, it seems like he never stopped! He was always available
RIP Bernard
RIP Bernard
July 23, 2024
I've grown up with Cribbins. Since I was a child he's been in things I've watched. He was one of those actors that you just knew, if he was in it, it would be good.
What a great read. Some lovely stories about people you will remember, if you are of a certain age...
Is that a warm and fuzzy feeling?
What a great read. Some lovely stories about people you will remember, if you are of a certain age...
Is that a warm and fuzzy feeling?
December 1, 2018
What a legend Bernard Cribbins is.
A very interesting life with lots of tales to tell.
National Treasure is definitely the right description for him.
"Right Said Fred" never fails to make me chukcle
A very interesting life with lots of tales to tell.
National Treasure is definitely the right description for him.
"Right Said Fred" never fails to make me chukcle
May 14, 2019
Bernard Cribbens was a staple of my childhood being the King of Jackanory and the voice of the Wombles. I wonder then if this is why I didn't enjoy his autobiography as much as I feel I should have.
Whilst he has most certainly had a vastly varied career with his 'availability" being one of his greatest assets, I felt many of the anecdotes had the feeling of someone telling you something they thought was funny but you had to be there to appreciate it.
I finished the book kind of scratching my head as to why I didn't really get into it. I'm left a little deflated thinking I should leave my childhood heroes where they belong. Amongst the happy memories.
Whilst he has most certainly had a vastly varied career with his 'availability" being one of his greatest assets, I felt many of the anecdotes had the feeling of someone telling you something they thought was funny but you had to be there to appreciate it.
I finished the book kind of scratching my head as to why I didn't really get into it. I'm left a little deflated thinking I should leave my childhood heroes where they belong. Amongst the happy memories.
March 8, 2020
An account of what happens when you say 'Yes' to different opportunities that present themselves without agonising internal debate or particular concern about career trajectory. A light, friendly autobiography I continually looked forward to reading a bit more of.
August 18, 2022
Utterly charming read. Like Cribbins is having a chat with you over a mug of tea and the good biscuits. A guy who's met pretty much everyone famous but has no ego about it. Bernard truly a national treasure.
September 15, 2022
Really enjoyed reading this book. It was a very personal, like Bernard was sitting down in front of you and talking to you. Took me back to the days of Jackanory for those who remember it, felt like Bernard was telling you his story just to you. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2024
A delightful, charming book written by a charming and delightful man. I was fortunate enough to meet Bernard once and get his autograph and he was the exception that proves the rule that you should never meet your heroes.
October 21, 2018
a great read
fun ,laughter and a great storyteller Mr cribbins tells his life story guaranteed to make you smile lovely pictures smashing
fun ,laughter and a great storyteller Mr cribbins tells his life story guaranteed to make you smile lovely pictures smashing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews