Fawlty Towers star and comedy legend Andrew Sachs passed away last night, at the age of 86. In Manuel, he created one of the best-loved characters in British comedy history.
While Fawlty Towers had just 12 episodes, it was enough for Sachs to make a huge impression – whether it was those who were watching him at the time, or watching him many years later, probably encouraged by their parents who’d fallen in love with the show back in the ’70s.
Manuel has a lot of brilliant moments – many of them involving him being beaten up and attacked by Basil – almost always unfairly. Last night on Twitter, John Cleese called Sachs’ performances “inspired”, and said he could never have found a better Manuel.
Just heard about Andy Sachs. Very sad….
I knew he was having problems with his memory as his wife Melody told me a couple of years ago…— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) December 1, 2016
…and I heard very recently that he had been admitted to Denham Hall,but I had no idea that his life was in danger. A very sweet gentle…
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) December 1, 2016
…and kind man and a truly great farceur.I first saw him in Habeas Corpus on stage in 1973.I could not have found a better Manuel. Inspired
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) December 1, 2016
In honour of our favourite little waiter from Barcelona, here are six of his most classic scenes. They’re all absolutely worth watching from start to finish.
1. When there was too much butter on those trays:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-oH-TELcLE
2. When he had to man the phones:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TES2kgPF4Wk
3. When he knew nothing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6EaoPMANQM
4. When he practised his English:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5035TY5RSpg
5. When the guest really wanted his sausages:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ4U5tQ6Ke8
6. When the door got filled in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkl5PvDnqZM
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
