Bernard Gallagher

Bernard Gallagher (26 September 1929 – 27 November 2016 ) was an English actor known for his stage work, including with the National Theatre and the Royal Court; and his many appearances in television soap operas and dramas. He was born in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire. Other roles included in Howard Brenton’s Weapons of Happiness and Tom Stoppard’s Jumpers. In Granada Television’s daytime legal drama series Crown Court, he played barrister Jonathan Fry QC.

Gallagher's numerous other TV credits include appearances in two of Britain's most hard-hitting police dramas of the 1970s, The Sweeney and The Professionals. He was cast in The Sweeney as a Desk Sergeant in the episode entitled "Jackpot", whilst in The Professionals Gallagher appeared as a Government Minister in the episode "Need to Know." In 1977, he played the role of Enfield in The Duchess of Duke Street (series 2, episode 12).

Gallagher played recurring character Graham Weston in series 6 and 7 of Heartbeat, and different characters in its sister programme The Royal. He was also an original cast member of Casualty from 1986–1988. Other credits include: Bergerac, Bad Girls, Wycliffe, Cadfael, Midsomer Murders, and London's Burning.

In rare comedic roles he played Mervyn, the Holiday Camp manager in Selwyn, DS Lang in the "Photographs" episode of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em and Mr. Glockenspiel in the "Alternative Culture" episode of The Thin Blue Line.

Gallagher portrayed keen gardener Bill Molesley, father of Joseph Molesley (played by Kevin Doyle), in ITV's Downton Abbey (2010–2013).

Death Bernard Gallagher died of pneumonia on 27 November 2016, aged 87.

Selected acting credits