Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Lionel Jeffries Obituary
Jeffries, who also wrote and directed the 1971 film "The Railway Children," died Friday morning following a long illness, according to his representative, the Liz Hobbs Group. He died in a nursing home in Poole in southern England, the British Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Jeffries made his stage debut in "Carrington V.C." at the Westminster Theatre in London in 1949, and his film debut five years later in "The Black Rider."
Later film roles include Inspector Parker opposite Peter Sellers in "The Wrong Arm of the Law" (1963), King Pellinore in "Camelot" in 1967 and Gen. Sapt in "The Prisoner of Zenda" in 1979. He also played Horace Vandergelder in the 1984 London production of "Hello, Dolly!" starring female impersonator Danny La Rue.
Prematurely bald, Jeffries played Dick Van Dyke's father in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" although, Jeffries recalled, he was six months younger than Van Dyke.
Jenny Agutter, one of the stars of "The Railway Children," has said that Jeffries gave each of his child actors a half crown coin if they produced a usable scene on the first take.
Despite the success of "The Railway Children," voted one of Britain's 100 best films by the British Film Institute in 1999, Jeffries directed only four other films including two that he also wrote.
Funeral arrangements were not announced.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
71 Entries
Jim
June 21, 2013
One of my all time favorite characters from my all time favorite film. I recently found a copy of an audio book of Mr. Jeffries reading the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. What a treat. You will be missed by many, "grandpa", but your work still brings joy to the world.
Rest In peace.
Bernadette
March 23, 2013
I thought you were brilliant as Cavor in The First Men in the Moon. One of my favourite films. Thanks
Kathy Penelli
February 28, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies to the Jeffries's family. Lionel Jeffries will always be remembered in everyone's heart as a kind, caring and loving man and actor.
How you can show support
1 Peter 1:3~Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...he gave us a...living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
monica henry
November 10, 2010
April 6, 2010
On behalf of my mother and the family of Lionel Jeffries, many grateful thanks to you all for your great charity in remembering him with such generosity and kindness.
March 7, 2010
For Lionel...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
March 2, 2010
Please accept my sincere condolences. The grief we feel can be overwhelming but take comfort in the promise of God's word that very soon "death will be nor more, neither mourning, nor pain, nor outcry, the former things have passed away."
L. Wiggins (Springdale, MD)
March 2, 2010
Please accept my sincere condolences and take comfort in the promise God has made that very soon "death will be no more, neither mourning, nor pain, nor outcry, the former things have passed away."
L. Wiggins (Springdale, MD)
Treva Brackeen
March 1, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the family.He was wonderful in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.One of my favorites still( i own it )and I'm 45 now.
Thomas
February 27, 2010
I will all ways have fond memories of Lionel as the Grandfather in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.I have watched that movie through childhood and I am now 43 years old.I all ways have a good laugh when I watch him.He was an excellent actor! May God keep you in his memory until the time comes for you to live again.We all have that wonderful hope from the bible,where it says:"your dead ones will live..they will rise up"Isaiah 26:19.
Ricardo Colon
February 26, 2010
God bless you for making us laugh. Peters Sellers said you were the funniest. You will always live.
Janet Robertson
February 25, 2010
My sincere sympathies to your family and friends. I have always enjoyed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Even as an adult it is still one of my favorite movies.
Glo MacBride
February 25, 2010
My fondest memory of you is your wonderfully befuddled, but naturally kind, Pelenor in the movie version of "Camelot". And your solo in "Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bag" has always been the highlight of the movie to me.
Blessed voyage old friend, see you on the other side!
Shirley Bowman
February 25, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
W Daniels
February 25, 2010
My sympathies to the Jeffries family on your dear loss. May your fond memories of such a talented gentleman bring you comfort, along with the "Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort."
Margaret Leenders
February 24, 2010
Another talented person taken away from us. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans. Hopefully he will be making them laugh where he has gone. I loved Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and always will.
Bill Carroll
February 24, 2010
My most sincere sympathy to his family, friends and fans around the world. His talents will be missed. He was great in all of his movies.
February 24, 2010
my heart go out to you and your family may mr jeffries rest in peace he was a geart man and a geart actor i really enjoy watching him in chitty chittybangbang
Lillie Ponder
February 24, 2010
May the GOD who comforts all comfort you in your time of pain and grief.(2Corinthians 1:3). I am sorry for your loss.
FRANK BRUNO
February 23, 2010
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS ARMS. YOU WERE A GREAT ACTOR WHO WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. REST IN PEACE.
vor
February 23, 2010
Always remembered "Wrong Arm of the Law" - extremely funny movie...way ahead of its time. God bless.
K.
Gordon Barnes
February 23, 2010
He was a very very funny comic actor who never ceased to bring a smile or a laugh
belinda johnson
February 23, 2010
May God bless He is good a man He is great actor movie CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG...call him Grandpa...I miss him and I sadly with sorrow his family
Bernice Jeffries Wyatt
February 23, 2010
My sympathy to the family. I have followed his career over the years since as a child, I believed he had to be kin since his name was Jeffries and I was also.
yolanda smith
February 23, 2010
I am so sorry about the death of Mr. Jeffries. He was my favorite English Actor. When I saw him in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in London
in June 1969 he became my favoite English Actor
Yolanda Smith Edinburg Texas
February 22, 2010
My condolence to the family. may the God of all comforts bring comfort to the family .(2Corinthians 1:4)
February 22, 2010
To the Fans and Friends,
You have my sympathy for the loss of Mr. Lionel Jeffries. The pain and grief and the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times, we can go to God's word for comfort 2 Corin. 1:34. Please read. The Bible helps us to understand how Almighty GOd and Jesus feels about death.
Evelyn Mele
February 22, 2010
We send our Condolences and Blessings to the famil and friends of the late Mr.Jeffries. Being that my paternal great-great grandmothers' maiden name was Jeffries-"coincidental", we feel the need to send our condolences.
February 22, 2010
Deepest condolence to the Jeffries family may your reliance on God give you the strength to endure. Proverbs 18:10 the name of the LORD is a strong tower; into it the righteous runneth ,and is safe.
February 22, 2010
My condolences to the Jeffries friends and fans. He was a beloved Grandpa; but take comfort in the hope expressed at Acts 24:15. ~Lillie, Atlanta,Ga.
David
February 22, 2010
He will be missed. He was influential in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
February 22, 2010
Good Man he was! Loved him as grandpa in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
GLORIA JEFFRIES
February 22, 2010
TO THE FANS AND FRIENDS
YOU HAVE MY SYMPATHY AND PRAYS FOR THE LOST OF MR. JEFFRIES AND I KNOW HE WAS A VERY GOOD ACTOR AND HE WILL BE MISS SO I ASK OF THE FANS AND FRIENDS TO HOLD YOUR HEAD UP AND BE STORNG
Sandra Rogers
February 22, 2010
Growing up in the UK The Railway Children was and is one of my favorite books of all time. Also loved the movie,.
Chitty chitty bang bang should be liated as a classic loved it.
G'night Granpa!
Derrell family
February 22, 2010
Dear Jeffries family: Please accept our warmest sympathies and be comforted knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34: 18). He can give us ‘power beyond what is normal’ to go on from one day to the next. (2 Corinthians 4: 7).
steve
February 22, 2010
port out starboard home fantastic actor
kellie tillery
February 21, 2010
He was a very very good actor and may he rest in peace.
Jo Ann Hessler
February 21, 2010
To the family of Lionel Jeffries-May he fly to heaven on angel wings. The flesh may be gone but the memories will always be there.
February 21, 2010
Enjoyed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang so much as did our children.
Tracye Bailey
February 21, 2010
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was one of my all time favorites as a child. I thought "Grandpa" was cool. He will be missed.
Henryk Zaleski
February 21, 2010
The stage is empty, rest in peace. Thank you.
Martha Dolciamore
February 20, 2010
I loved Mr Jeffries in the film "First men in the Moon" in which he played a rather nutty scientist who builds a rocket to go and explore the moon in the 19th century. One of my favorite films and mostly because of Mr Jeffries great perforrmance! Thank you and may the angels lead you into paradise!
Martha Dolciamore
Soquel, CA
Martha Dolciamore
February 20, 2010
I loved Mr Jeffries in the film "First Men in the Moon" in which he played a rather nutty scientist who builds a rocket to go and explore the moon in the 19th century. One of my favorite films and mostly because of Mr Jeffries great perforrmance! Thank you and may the angels lead you into paradise!
Ken Dennis
February 20, 2010
So many great films beginning in the 1950s and so many great memories! May that be of consolation in the loss of this fine performer.
February 20, 2010
To the Family of Lionel Jeffries,
I am so sorry for the death of such a family treasure like Mr.Jeffries.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a great movie, and Lionel showed off his excellent art as as a actor.
I have a friend who owns a vintage car that is just like the one used in the movie.
You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
Grant Family
February 20, 2010
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a favorite movie of mine as well...and the character of Grandpa help make it that!
Gods speed Mr Jeffries!
February 20, 2010
God bless you sir, and your family. You will always be our favorite actor. Jim and Sunny Creager,Bowling Green, Kentucky
Michele Henderson
February 20, 2010
Dear Mr. Jeffries...thank you for so many memorable screen moments, characters & fun. Always one of a kind, & recognizable screen men & handsome to boot! Twinkle in your eye & sly smile made your characters very endearing & mischievious. Bless you. Michele Henderson
Merry Nelson
February 20, 2010
I loved the movie chitty chitty bang bang ,i still watch it today even though im in my late 40's. and my kids watch it .I loved the gentleman Mr.Lionel as the grandpa. he was very entertaining. God Bless to u and your family .The Nelson family of Upperco, Md.
JC
February 20, 2010
May you rest in peace sir. You were a talented actor. Our favorite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang quote from the Colonel: "Blasted smelly thing Motorcar!"
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
February 20, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,& CONDOLENCES TO THE JEFFRIES FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. JEFFRIES.
Susan Stein
February 20, 2010
Thank you sir. Fly with the eagles now if you choose. Much peace to your family.
Fr. Mary Therese' O.C.S.O.
February 20, 2010
Fare thee well.....POSH!
Scott and Patti Hess
February 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! He was a GREAT actor!!! I LOVED to watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when I was a kid and then with my own children...Soooooo Sorrrryyy
Denisha
February 20, 2010
To the family of Lionel Jeffries , My deepest condolences are with you in your time of grief. May you continue to find comfort in the memories that you all shared together.I have always loved the movie chitty chitty bang bang and loved his role also.
Jimmie & Juanita Mikell
February 20, 2010
To the Jeffries family, we loved all his movies and he was a great actor. May the God of all comfort and tender mercies comfort the family during this time of deep sadness.
February 20, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lisa & Wayne Wells
February 20, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Mr. Jeffries was a fine actor. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a childhood favorite. I even had the record. Rest in Peace, Sir.
February 20, 2010
Saddened to learn about death of Lionel
have many happy memories of him whilst serving in Burma
Sgt L Abbott
Rhonda Theard
February 20, 2010
wat a great great actor who will be sorely missed muc respect god bless
Michael
February 19, 2010
Thank you for sharing your talents withthe world -- and for making my childhood and the ghildhood of countless toehrs, so magical. God bless the family and friends.
Bernie Brankin
February 19, 2010
What a wonderful and talented actor, I've enjoyed your work for many years.
Rest in peace and God Bless.
Deborah Spoone
February 19, 2010
One of my favorite actors in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was this wonderful guy. He made a child roll over from laughing so much. He was such a good actor in this movie. Only he could ever pull this off. May God grant the family peace and comfort in the coming day and weeks ahead.
R Golay
February 19, 2010
To the the family of Lionel Jeffries - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Lionel will be missed by many.
Alan Pollin
February 19, 2010
My condolences
One of the funniest actors around
Hart Family
February 19, 2010
Our condolences to Lionel's family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was one of my favorite movies. We are so sorry for your loss. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all (2 Corinthians 1:4). With deep sympathy,
February 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Showing 1 - 71 of 71 results
Make a Donation
in Lionel Jeffries's name
How to support Lionel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lionel Jeffries's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored