A. C. Lloyd

John Jeremy Lloyd, born in 1930, was an English writer, screenwriter, poet, and actor. He began his career in writing in 1958 and also appeared in numerous film and television comedies throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including a stint on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. Lloyd's early life experiences, including working in a department store, significantly influenced his later comedic writing, particularly for the successful sitcom 'Are You Being Served?'. He went on to co-create other popular shows like ''Allo ''Allo!' and 'Grace & Favour'. Beyond his television work, Lloyd contributed to the popular 'Captain Beaky' album and books and published his autobiography in 1993. He was appointed an OBE in 2013 for his contributions to British comedy. Lloyd passed away in 2014 at the age of 84.

Born in Danbury, Essex in 1930, John Jeremy Lloyd's childhood was marked by a separation from his parents, who he felt viewed him as a disappointment. He spent time living with his grandmother in Manchester. His father removed him from preparatory school in 1943. Lloyd's subsequent employment in a menswear department at Simpsons of Piccadilly, as well as his time as a travelling paint salesman, provided him with experiences that he later drew upon for his writing. He believed these practical jobs offered a more valuable education than formal university studies.

Lloyd established himself as a writer in 1958 and also pursued an acting career, appearing in various comedies. He was a regular on the American show 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' during the 1969-70 season. Upon returning to the UK, he met Joanna Lumley, leading him to remain in England rather than return to the US for the show's next season. His significant breakthrough as a comedy writer came with 'Are You Being Served?' in 1972, which he developed with David Croft. This collaboration also led to the creation of the equally successful sitcom ''Allo ''Allo!' and the later spin-off 'Grace & Favour'.

In addition to his successful sitcoms, Lloyd penned the lyrics for the popular 'Captain Beaky' album and book series in 1980. His autobiography, titled 'Listen Very Carefully—I Shall Say this Only Once', was published in 1993, using a memorable phrase from ''Allo ''Allo!'. Lloyd was also the subject of an urban legend regarding a dinner party on the night of Sharon Tate's murder, a story later confirmed as true. For his extensive contributions to British comedy, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours.