Derek Fowlds Biography

Fast Facts

• Graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London with an Honors Diploma
• Left school at 15 and became an apprentice printer
• Quote: "(On his favorite "Heartbeat" moment) "Undoubtedly when Oscar had an affair with a Detective Sergeant's wife in Whitby․ He got into a lot of hot water on that occasion, but thankfully his old pal Ventress managed to get him off the hook․""
• Quote: "(On getting the part of Bernard Wooley in "Yes, Minister") "When I heard they were going to send me a script for 'Yes Minister', I thought it was going to be a religious program, then I read it and realized it was something very special․""
• Quote: "(On playing his character in "Heartbeat") "I based him on my drill instructor, because I was in the RAF for national service․ I just cut my hair shorter, slicked it back and shouted a lot and Oscar was born․""
• Quote: "(On the success of "Heartbeat") "It's the only show that takes place in the wonderful decade of the sixties - and it captures those years so wonderfully with the vintage cars, the fashions and, of course, the music of the era․""
• While hosting the Yorkshire Life Food Awards in 2003, he was surprised to receive an award himself on behalf of pub owner Oscar Blaketon, the character he played on the ITV series "Heartbeat․"