British Comedy Guide
The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Image shows from L to R: Jimmy Anderson (Geoffrey Palmer), C.J. (John Barron)
The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One
  • 1996
  • 7 episodes (1 series)

Reginald Perrin's family and friends must do something absurd in order to inherit his fortune. Stars Pauline Yates, Geoffrey Palmer, John Barron, John Horsley, Bruce Bould and more.

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Character guide

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Elizabeth Perrin (Pauline Yates)

Elizabeth Perrin

Played by: Pauline Yates

Elizabeth is still mourning the recent death of her husband, Reggie. She wishes to do something truly absurd, not just to earn a million pounds, but also to honour his memory. She is perhaps the most enthusiastic of the group and always ready to give her full support to leader Jimmy.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Jimmy Anderson (Geoffrey Palmer)

Jimmy Anderson

AKA: Major James Anderson.  Played by: Geoffrey Palmer

Jimmy's life has been littered with a series of frustrations. Too young to fight in the war and now too old to remain in the army, he lacks drive and motivation. On top of this, his personal life has been touched by tragedy as he was abandoned by his first wife Sheila and left widowed after his second wife Lettuce was squashed by a juggernaut.

His role as head of the group and his relationship with Miss Hackstraw has given him a new sense of purpose however.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. C.J. (John Barron)

C.J.

AKA: Charles Jefferson.  Played by: John Barron

C.J. is the formidable former boss of Sunshine Desserts but is now retired. He lives alone while his wife resides in Luxembourg in a situation that he is very happy with. His sole interests now lie in claiming his share of Reggie's inheritance and trying to persuade Miss Hackstraw to sleep with him.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Doc Morrissey (John Horsley)

Doc Morrissey

Played by: John Horsley

Formerly a medical officer at Sunshine Desserts, Doc Morrissey is now retired and happily lives with his ethnic friends. A thoroughly genial man, Doc's main weakness lies in the area of women. He is continually sexually frustrated and Miss Hackstraw's refusal to sleep with him causes him much exasperation.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. David Harris-Jones (Bruce Bould)

David Harris-Jones

Played by: Bruce Bould

David was once Reggie's employee but has now been made redundant. He is hesitant and lacks self-confidence despite the fact that he and Prue have been happily married for many years.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Prue Harris-Jones (Theresa Watson)

Prue Harris-Jones

Played by: Theresa Watson

Prue is David's devoted wife and they are rarely seen apart. They never argue, have the same taste in fashion and are blissfully happy together. The only blot on their marriage is their son, Reggie, who lives in a caravan with a gypsy girl and their child.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Joan Greengross (Sue Nicholls)

Joan Greengross

Played by: Sue Nicholls

Joan worked as a secretary for decades but is now without a job as her boss preferred to employ a younger model. She firmly supports the cause to celebrate older people due to both her own circumstances and her devotion to Reggie.

Although Joan is now estranged from ex-husband Tony, she has found happiness with Hank.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Hank Millbeck (Michael Fenton Stevens)

Hank Millbeck

Hank is only 29 years old, yet due to his career working in futures he appears much older. He has been made redundant as his bosses believe he can no longer cut it in his field.

Despite the age gap, he and Joan are very happy together and agree to marry.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Tom Patterson (Tim Preece)

Tom Patterson

Played by: Tim Preece

Tom can be a pompous prig but he is, at heart, a decent man. An estate-agent by trade, he is currently without work and firmly supports the cause.

Tom's response to meeting ex-wife Linda again is initially frosty but soon thaws.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Linda Perrin (Sally-Jane Spencer)

Linda Perrin

AKA: Linda Patterson.  Played by: Sally-Jane Spencer

Linda has devoted her life to bringing up the two children who she had with Tom: Adam and Jocasta. Now that they have grown up however, she finds that she is too old to enter the workforce and therefore wholeheartedly supports the cause.

Linda shows great antagonism towards Tom but this merely hides the warmth that still exists between them.

The Legacy Of Reginald Perrin. Geraldine Hackstraw (Patricia Hodge)

Geraldine Hackstraw

Solicitor.   Played by: Patricia Hodge

Geraldine is the thoroughly professional solicitor who is responsible for deciding whether Reggie's inheritance should be paid out.

Her weak link lies in her love life. She is flattered by the attention she receives from C.J. and Doc Morrissey but it is in Jimmy's direction that her interest lies.

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