Vicar of Dibley favourite John Bluthal has died at the age of 89, it has been confirmed.
The Frank Pickle actor passed away on Thursday night.
His rep broke the sad news in a statement which read: “We’re sad to announce our wonderful client John Bluthal has passed away.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
“John provided us all with years of laughter and entertainment. We will miss John hugely.”
She wrote: “Tons of happy laughs remembered today. Cheeky, naughty, hilarious. Bye darlin Bluey.”
Tons of happy laughs remembered today. Cheeky, naughty, hilarious.
Bye darlin Bluey. pic.twitter.com/yy5TY4TeX5— Dawn French (@Dawn_French) 17 November 2018
Fans also offered their condolences.
Oh no, how sad! We’ve lost another Vicar of Dibley legend in John Bluthal 😢 he gave such a charm and sweetness to Frank Pickle, he’ll be so missed!
— Lorna Baker (@Lornadb) 17 November 2018
Oh no, not Frank Pickle. That’s so sad.
— Sarah (@BereftStatistic) 17 November 2018
RIP John Bluthal.
I only met him a couple of times but he made me helpless with laughter.
— Stephen Unwin (@RoseUnwin) 17 November 2018
The character of Frank was known for telling stories that went on forever.
John was born in Poland in 1929, and as a boy fled his home in Austria with his Jewish family to escape the Nazis.
Throughout his career he also starred in popular BBC shows Last of the Summer Wine, ‘Allo ‘Allo, Jonathan Creek and One Foot in the Grave.