James Gilbert

Cecil James Gilbert (15 May 1923 – 7 July 2016) was a Scottish television producer, director and executive for the BBC, who was its head of comedy from 1973 to 1977 and head of light entertainment from 1977 to 1982.

Early life Cecil James Gilbert was born in Edinburgh on 15 May 1923. His father had moved to Scotland from Ireland. Gilbert was educated at Edinburgh Academy and the University of Edinburgh, though his studies at the latter ended after a year, when he joined the RAF Coastal Command during World War II, flying Handley Page Halifax and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft from RAF Wick, Scotland.

Career After the war, Gilbert enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and he initially aspired to direct films.

He succeeded Michael Mills as the BBC's Head of Comedy from 1973 to 1977. Gilbert was appointed as the BBC's Head of Light Entertainment in 1977, in succession to Bill Cotton, remaining in the post and with the BBC until 1982. Subsequently, he worked freelance with Thames Television, until retiring at age 75.

Personal life and death In 1951, Gilbert married Fiona Clyne, and they had three children.

In retirement, Gilbert lived in Rodborough, Gloucestershire, and died from bronchopneumonia and "frailty of old age" at his home on 7 July 2016, at the age of 93.