Bernard Fox (actor)
A Welsh character actor whose impeccably timed comic delivery made him a beloved fixture in American television's most cherished sitcoms.
1927–2016 (age 89)·Welsh actor·Birthday: May 11·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Bernard Fox's career was a masterclass in scene-stealing support. Born in Wales, he served in the British Merchant Navy before turning to acting, bringing a polished, theatrical bearing to every role. American audiences came to know him through his perfectly pitched guest spots, most famously as the delightfully inept Dr. Bombay on 'Bewitched,' who would materialize with a pop to solve magical mishaps. His other signature role was the obliviously pompous Colonel Crittendon on 'Hogan's Heroes,' a British officer whose bumbling 'help' constantly endangered the POWs' secret operations. Fox worked steadily for decades, his face and precise comic timing making him instantly recognizable, whether in Disney films or as a doomed passenger in James Cameron's 'Titanic.'
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Bernard was born in 1927, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bernard Was Born
The biggest hits of 1927
#1 Movie
Wings
Bernard's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1927Born
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1932Started school
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1940Became a teenager
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Could drive
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1945Could vote
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1948Turned 21
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1957Turned 30
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 40
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 50
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 60
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1997Turned 70
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2007Turned 80
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Died at 89
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the recurring character Dr. Bombay on the iconic television series 'Bewitched.'
- Played Colonel Crittendon in multiple episodes of the hit comedy 'Hogan's Heroes.'
- Appeared in the blockbuster film 'Titanic' as Archibald Gracie IV, a historical figure who survived the sinking.
Did You Know?
He served in the British Merchant Navy during World War II.
He was the last surviving adult cast member from the original run of 'Bewitched.'
He also played another character named Malcolm Merriweather on 'The Andy Griffith Show.'
“I've played everything from a warlock to a doctor, but never the leading man.”
