About Danny O'Dea
Lived 1910 – 2003 (aged 92). Danny O'Dea was a British actor and television actor.
Peter Anthony Joseph Daniel Wrenshall (22 December 1911 – 16 April 2003), better known by his stage name Danny O'Dea, was an English actor.
O'Dea performed alongside some of the biggest names in the business including Arthur Askey, Les Dawson, Dick Emery, John Inman, Victoria Wood and Cilla Black, entering show business at an early age and working until he was 90, later enjoying fame as the short-sighted Eli Duckett in the British sitcom Last of the Summer Wine between 1986 and 2002. His film roles include Paddie, an elderly man in Rita, Sue and Bob Too in 1986. His stage work includes two pantomimes at the Swansea Grand Theatre in Wales: Robin Hood and Puss in Boots.
Personal life and death He was married to Doris Smith from 1950 until her death on 10 October 2000, the marriage produced one child.
O'Dea died on 16 April 2003 in Hartshead, Yorkshire, aged 91.
Rita, Sue and Bob Too Paddy
All Creatures Great and Small Rupe Episode: "The Pig Man Cometh"
Victoria Wood Ted Episode: "The Library"
One Foot in the Grave Michael Episode: "The Big Sleep" Emmerdale Wilf Henshaw
Josie Episode: "Episode No. 1.2"
25 Years of Last of the Summer Wine Himself TV documentary
30 Years of Last of the Summer Wine Himself TV documentary
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Important facts
People in Danny O'Dea's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Danny O'Dea's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Danny O'Dea?
British actor
When was Danny O'Dea born?
Danny O'Dea was born on 22 December 1910 in Durrington.
When did Danny O'Dea die?
Danny O'Dea died on 1 April 2003 in Dewsbury.
What was Danny O'Dea's occupation?
Danny O'Dea was an actor and television actor.
What nationality was Danny O'Dea?
Danny O'Dea was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Danny O'Dea. https://biography.guide/danny-o-dea/
MLA: "Danny O'Dea." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/danny-o-dea/.
Chicago: "Danny O'Dea." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/danny-o-dea/.
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