Peter Sallis was a well-known English actor who had a “net worth” of $10 million at the time of his death in 2017. He was best known as Norman “Cleggy” Clegg from the TV show “Last of the Summer Wine” and for being the voice of Wallace from the Academy Award-winning animated series “Wallace & Gromit.” Sallis provided entertainment for roughly sixty years, which is a significant portion of anyone’s life, and with his soft humor, deep voice, and great skills, his performance made people laugh regardless of their age.
Early Life
Peter John Sallis was born on February 1, 1921, in Twickenham, Middlesex, England. His father worked as a bank manager, while Peter followed the same path, becoming a junior bank clerk for a short period of time.
Along came World War II when he decided to join the Royal Air Force as a wireless mechanic. He then transitioned to become a radio instructor. During this important time, he found he had an interest in acting. He later, after the war, would go on to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), which commenced his acting career.
Stage and Film Career
Peter started his career in theater in the late 1940s, performing mostly in rehearsed plays and mainly Shakespeare plays, and then moved to repertory companies. He eventually made his Broadway debut in 1965 as Dr. Watson in the musical Baker Street. His credits in film and television were plentiful and included appearances in
The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970)
Doctor Who (The Ice Warriors serial)
and shows like The Avengers and Danger Man
By the 1970s, Sallis was already recognized in British entertainment, having been frequently complimented on both his serious and comic performances.
Last of the Summer Wine
Peter Sallis was cast as Cleggy in Last of the Summer Wine in 1973. This series became the longest-running sitcom in the world, and Sallis was the only cast member to appear in all 295 episodes over the 37-year broadcasting of the show.
The character’s dry humor and contemplative sensibility made him a familiar figure in British television, often watched by a broad audience across many generations.
Wallace & Gromit
Peter Sallis became internationally popular for his role as Wallace in A Grand Day Out in 1989. His line “Cheese, Gromit!” is often quoted.
The success of this short film produced many more classics, such as
The Wrong Trousers (1993) – Academy Award winner
A Close Shave (1995)—Academy Award winner
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)—Academy Award winner
He continued to voice Wallace until 2008 with A Matter of Loaf and Death, in spite of losing much of his eyesight to macular degeneration.
Personal Life
Peter married actress Elaine Usher in 1957. The couple separated in 1965 but continued to be best friends for many years. They had one son, Crispian Sallis, who became an Academy Award-nominated production designer.
Sallis worked with some charities, becoming a patron of the Macular Society to help raise awareness for sight loss conditions. In 2007, he was honored with the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) title for drama.
Later Years & Death
Peter Sallis died at the age of 96 on June 2, 2017, at Denville Hall, an actors’ retirement home in London. He was buried in Yorkshire next to his friend and Last of the Summer Wine co-star Bill Owen.
He will be remembered for two iconic characters: the comical, lovable Cleggy and the eccentric, cheese-loving inventor Wallace.
FAQs About Peter Sallis
Q1: What was Peter Sallis’ net worth?
Peter Sallis’ net worth was $10 million.
Q2: What was Peter Sallis most famous for?
His most notable roles were acting as Cleggy in Last of the Summer Wine and as the voice of Wallace in Wallace & Gromit.
Q3: Did Peter Sallis work until late in life?
Yes. He voiced Wallace until he was in his late 80s, and he worked in entertainment well into his 90s.
Q4: Did Peter Sallis win any awards?
While he did not win major awards as an actor, he did voice work that helped Wallace & Gromit win three Academy Awards. He was awarded an OBE in 2007.
Q5: Who was Peter Sallis married to?
In 1957, Peter Sallis married Elaine Usher. They divorced but were best friends for many years.
