Buster Merryfield
A former bank manager who found fame in his sixties as the beloved, seafaring storyteller Uncle Albert in a classic British sitcom.
1920–1999 (age 79)·English actor·Birthday: November 27·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Buster Merryfield's path to television stardom was anything but conventional. He spent the bulk of his working life as a manager for Barclays Bank, a career that gave no hint of the national treasure he would become. After retiring, he pursued amateur dramatics, which led to a few small television roles. His big break came at age 64, when he was cast as Uncle Albert Gladstone Trotter in 'Only Fools and Horses'. With his bushy white beard and twinkling eyes, Merryfield brought a profound warmth and authenticity to the role of the old sailor forever spinning yarns about his time in the Navy. His chemistry with stars David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst was instant, and Uncle Albert's cry of "During the war..." became a beloved catchphrase. Merryfield proved that compelling characters can be played by those who have lived full lives outside of acting, leaving an indelible mark on British comedy history.
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.
Buster was born in 1920, 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 Buster Was Born
The biggest hits of 1920
#1 Movie
Way Down East
Buster's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1920Born
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1925Started school
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1933Became a teenager
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1936Could drive
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1938Could vote
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1941Turned 21
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1950Turned 30
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 40
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 50
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 60
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 70
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1999Died at 79
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the cherished character Uncle Albert in the BBC sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses' from 1985 to 1991.
- Won the hearts of a nation with his portrayal of a kind-hearted, storytelling former merchant seaman.
- Successfully transitioned from a long career in banking to a successful acting profession after retirement.
Did You Know?
He served in the Royal Artillery during World War II and was mentioned in dispatches.
His casting was partly due to his resemblance to the actor who played Grandad, the character Uncle Albert replaced.
He was a talented wicketkeeper and played minor counties cricket for Buckinghamshire.
He didn't own a television until he was 40 years old.
“I was a bank manager for forty years, and then I became Uncle Albert.”
