Ballard Berkeley (born Ballard Blascheck; 6 August 1904 - 16 January 1988) was an English actor best remembered for his role in the British sitcom "Fawlty Towers", in which he played the character of Major Gowen. He was born in 1904 in Margate, Kent, England. Berkely served as a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police during World War II, witnessing The Blitz at first hand Wikipedia
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Ballard Berkeley made his professional stage debut in 1928, and performed for many years in London's West End and in New York theatres. He is best remembered as Major Gowen in the British television series "Fawlty Towers" (1975). www.imdb.com/name/nm0075326/