The BBC is reporting that BAFTA-nominated British actor Gorden Kaye – best known for his role as cafe owner Rene Artois on the beloved sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo! – has passed away today aged 75.
Kaye began his career in the late 1960s, appearing in guest roles in shows such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale, as well as David Croft’s It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and Come Back Mrs Noah, which ultimately led to Croft inviting him to portray the lead role in ‘Allo ‘Allo!.
The World War II sitcom launching in 1982, with Kaye appearing as Rene – ‘Hero of the Resistance’ – in all 84 episodes through to 1992. He also featured in over 1200 live performances of the stage play, as well as reprising the role in 2007 for the one-off revival The Return of ‘Allo ‘Allo!.
Originally published January 23, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
