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Paul Clark Eddington CBE (18 June 1927 – 4 November 1995) was an English actor whose career spanned theatre, radio and screen. Brought up in St John's Wood and educated at Sibford School, he began performing with ENSA during the Second World War and later worked in repertory theatre, notably Sheffield Repertory. Eddington became a household name in the mid-1970s as Jerry Leadbetter in the BBC sitcom The Good Life (1975–1978). He is equally remembered for his portrayal of the well-meaning minister Jim Hacker in the satirical sitcoms Yes Minister (1980–1984) and Yes, Prime Minister (1986–1988). Made a CBE in 1987, Eddington continued to work in television into the 1990s and published his autobiography, So Far, So Good, in 1995.

... Paul Eddington was born Paul Clark Eddington on 18 June 1927 in St John's Wood, London. A lifelong pacifist, he began acting with ENSA during the Second World War and built his craft in repertory theatre before establishing a steady career on television from the 1950s onward. Early TV work included appearances in series such as Dixon of Dock Green and The Adventures of Robin Hood, and he held regular parts in series including ATV's Hine. His breakthrough to national prominence came with the domestic sitcom The Good Life, where his Jerry Leadbetter became an essential foil to Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal. In the 1980s Eddington reached the peak of his public recognition playing James (Jim) Hacker in the sharply written political comedies Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, acting opposite Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1987 New Year Honours. Eddington also appeared in films and one-off television dramas, and read for the BBC radio series This Sceptred Isle shortly before his death. Diagnosed decades earlier with the rare skin lymphoma mycosis fungoides, he kept his condition largely private until the 1990s. His autobiography So Far, So Good was published in 1995; he died on 4 November 1995. Then & Now The 1980s During the 1980s, Paul Eddington established a significant presence in the entertainment industry. Building on early successes, they took on memorable roles that helped define the era's popular culture and cemented their status as a recognizable talent. Now (2026) Today, Paul Eddington's legacy from the 1980s continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide. Their contributions to film and television during that pivotal decade remain an important part of entertainment history, influencing subsequent generations of performers. Career timeline 1927 Born Paul Clark Eddington on 18 June 1927 in St John's Wood, London. 1940s Performed with ENSA during the Second World War and began a professional acting career. 1950s Worked in repertory theatre, including Sheffield Repertory Theatre, and began regular television work. 1956 Television credit as PC Tom Carr in an episode of Dixon of Dock Green. 1959–1960 Played Will Scarlet in the fourth series of The Adventures of Robin Hood. 1968 Appeared in the Hammer film The Devil Rides Out (1968) in a supporting role. 1975–1978 Became widely known for playing Jerry Leadbetter in the BBC sitcom The Good Life. 1980–1984 Starred as James (Jim) Hacker in the political sitcom Yes Minister. 1986 Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1987 New Year Honours list announced December 1986. 1986–1988 Reprised the role of Jim Hacker in the sequel series Yes, Prime Minister. 1992 Appeared in the television dramatisation of The Camomile Lawn. 1995 Published his autobiography So Far, So Good; died on 4 November 1995. Public reference sources Public biography and credit reference.Paul Eddington – Wikipedia reference search Public biography and credit reference.Paul Eddington – IMDb name search Biographical and credit details were checked against Paul Eddington – Wikipedia reference search, Paul Eddington – IMDb name search.