Few television characters are as fondly remembered as Arthur Daley, the Cockney spiv with a heart of gold. But behind the trilby was George Cole, an actor whose career spanned 75 years and whose friendship with Minder co-star Dennis Waterman was as real as it looked on screen, with Waterman’s tribute at Cole’s funeral showing just how deep that bond went.
Born: 22 April 1925 ·
Died: 5 August 2015 ·
Age at filming Minder: 54 (first episode 1979) ·
Career span: 75 years ·
Known for: Arthur Daley in Minder
Quick snapshot
- Died 5 August 2015 aged 90 (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
- Born 22 April 1925 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Career spanned 75 years (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Exact cause of death not officially confirmed (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
- Full details of estate distribution to children not public (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
- Number of children not publicly confirmed (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Minder first aired 1979; Cole played Arthur Daley until 1994 (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
- Legacy preserved through Minder re-runs and Waterman’s public tributes (The Guardian (British newspaper))
Seven key facts about George Cole’s life and career, one pattern: a long career built on memorable roles and a close personal bond with his co-star.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | George Edward Cole |
| Date of birth | 22 April 1925 |
| Date of death | 5 August 2015 |
| Place of birth | Tooting, London, England |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1939–2015 |
| Notable role | Arthur Daley in Minder |
Did Dennis Waterman and George Cole get along?
Dennis Waterman’s tribute at the funeral
At George Cole’s funeral, held at Reading Crematorium, Dennis Waterman delivered a eulogy that made clear the depth of their friendship. Waterman told mourners that working with Cole was “a story in itself” and that “we were always laughing, day in and day out” (The Guardian (British newspaper)). He also said he would rather perform Hamlet with no rehearsals than give the eulogy, a measure of how much Cole meant to him.
Their on-screen partnership in Minder
On screen, Cole’s Arthur Daley and Waterman’s Terry McCann were the perfect odd couple – the scheming spiv and the loyal bodyguard. Off screen, the actors became close friends. Express (UK media) reported that the two became very good friends during the show’s run. Waterman later called Cole “the nicest man” in a BBC Sounds tribute.
The bond between Cole and Waterman was not just for the cameras. Waterman’s emotional eulogy confirmed decades of genuine affection, which added depth to their on-screen chemistry and made Minder’s partnership feel authentic.
The implication: their off-screen friendship was the foundation of the show’s enduring appeal.
How much did George Cole leave in his will?
The exact details of George Cole’s will have not been made public. No official figure for his estate has been confirmed by probate records or family statements. Media reports at the time of his death speculated about his net worth, but without a reliable source, the amount remains unverified. What is known is that his estate was likely divided among his wife and children, as is typical.
How old was George Cole when he filmed Minder?
Age at start of Minder (1979)
George Cole was 54 years old when the first episode of Minder aired in 1979. He was born on 22 April 1925, making him 54 in that year (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). The BBC notes that he was offered the part of Arthur Daley in 1979 (BBC News (UK broadcaster)).
Cole’s age throughout the series
Minder ran for 15 series from 1979 to 1994. Cole played Arthur Daley for the entire run, meaning he was in his 50s and 60s during filming. He was 69 when the final episode aired. The role defined his later career and made him a household name in Britain.
What was George Cole’s net worth and cause of death?
Cause of death details
George Cole died on 5 August 2015 at the age of 90 (BBC News (UK broadcaster)). The exact cause of death was not publicly disclosed, but it is widely assumed to have been from natural causes given his advanced age. No official statement from the family or coroner was released.
Net worth at death
No authoritative figure for George Cole’s net worth at death has been published. Unofficial estimates from media outlets vary, but none are backed by probate records. The lack of a verified source means any number should be treated with caution. It is possible his estate was modest compared to some of his contemporaries.
What movies and TV shows featured George Cole?
Early career and stage work
Cole began his career on stage at age 14 in 1939 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). He appeared in repertory theatre and later in films such as The Belles of St Trinian’s where he played Flash Harry (BBC News (UK broadcaster)). Screenonline (British Film Institute) describes him as a major character star who evolved from cockney kid roles to Flash Harry and then to Arthur Daley.
Minder and other notable roles
His most famous role was Arthur Daley in Minder, which he played from 1979 to 1994 (BBC News (UK broadcaster)). The series made him a star. According to the Museum of Broadcast Communications (TV history archive), Arthur Daley was a Cockney spiv and small businessman always seeking an angle. Cole also appeared in The Blue Bird, Scrooge, and many other films and TV series. His career spanned 75 years, making him one of the most enduring actors of his generation.
Filmography highlights
- The Belles of St Trinian’s (1954) – Flash Harry
- Minder (1979–1994) – Arthur Daley
- Scrooge (1970) – Young Scrooge
- Henry V (1944) – uncredited extra
- The Green Man (1956) – William Blake
The IMDb (film database) lists over 100 credits, confirming his prolific output.
Despite a long career, Cole’s most famous role came late in life, and his early work is often overlooked. His stage work and film roles in the 1950s and 1960s show a versatile actor who could handle comedy and drama with equal ease.
The pattern: Cole’s late-career success as Arthur Daley overshadows a rich earlier body of work that deserves more attention.
Timeline of George Cole’s Life
- 22 April 1925 – Born in Tooting, London (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- 1939 – First stage performance at age 14 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- 1950s–1960s – Film appearances include The Belles of St Trinian’s (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
- 1979 – First episode of Minder; Cole plays Arthur Daley (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
- 1994 – Minder series ends (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
- 5 August 2015 – Dies at age 90 (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
- 2015 (shortly after death) – Funeral held; Dennis Waterman delivers eulogy (The Guardian (British newspaper))
Cole’s career timeline shows a late bloomer: his most iconic role didn’t come until he was 54, yet he played it for 15 years, cementing his legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved television characters.
The consequence: Cole’s late-career peak as Arthur Daley defined his legacy, but his earlier work reveals a versatile actor capable of far more.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- George Cole died on 5 August 2015 aged 90.
- Dennis Waterman spoke highly of Cole and delivered a eulogy at his funeral.
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed.
- Full details of his estate distribution to children are not public.
The gaps: while the broad strokes of Cole’s life are known, key details about his death and estate remain private.
“Working with George was a story in itself.”
— Dennis Waterman, at George Cole’s funeral, as reported by The Guardian (British newspaper)
Waterman also recalled that he and Cole “were always laughing, day in and day out” during their time together on Minder (The Guardian (British newspaper)). He added that he would rather perform Hamlet with no rehearsals than give the eulogy, a measure of how much Cole meant to him.
“George Cole was a treasured comic actor and lovable rogue.”
— The Independent (British newspaper), The Independent
For fans of British television, the legacy of George Cole is clear: his portrayal of Arthur Daley remains the gold standard for lovable rogues. The friendship with Dennis Waterman gave Minder its heart, and Waterman’s tribute ensures that the bond will be remembered as long as the show is watched. The choice for viewers today is simple: revisit Minder to see two masters at work, or discover Cole’s earlier film roles and appreciate the full range of a career that spanned three-quarters of a century.
Frequently asked questions
Was George Cole married?
Yes, George Cole was married to a woman named Eileen, often referred to as “Er Indoors” by fans. The exact marriage date is not widely documented.
Did George Cole have any children?
Yes, he had children, though their names and number have not been publicly confirmed in detail.
What was George Cole’s most famous role?
His most famous role was Arthur Daley in the ITV series Minder (1979–1994).
How did George Cole die?
The exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but he died peacefully at age 90 on 5 August 2015.
When did George Cole start acting?
He began his stage career at age 14 in 1939.
Did George Cole win any awards?
He was appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1992 for his services to drama.
What was George Cole’s net worth?
No verified figure has been published. Media estimates vary, but no authoritative source exists.
Where is George Cole buried?
His funeral was held at Reading Crematorium, but the exact burial location has not been made public.
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Craig Newton is Senior Reporter at ScopePress.uk, covering breaking technology news and consumer tech stories across the UK.