Lawrence Martyn (22 March 1934 – 7 August 1994) was a British film and television actor known for his comedy performances.
Martyn was born in London and was a member of the Parachute Regiment. He was famous as store maintenance man "Mr. Mash" in the BBC comedy series Are You Being Served?, appearing in the first three series before being replaced by Arthur English. He was unable to continue in this role because he was committed to the television series Spring and Autumn with Jimmy Jewel. Other TV appearances included On the Buses, Look - Mike Yarwood!, Rising Damp, The Detectives and Grange Hill. He also played alongside Frankie Howerd in two of his BBC shows, Up Pompeii! and Whoops Baghdad.
Career
Martyn played the role of the spiv Private Walker in the radio version of Dad's Army after the death of James Beck in 1973. His film roles included Carry On at Your Convenience, where he had a small part as the promenade rifle-range owner, and Carry On Behind, where he played an inept electrician who helps wire up the public address system at the caravan site the film was set in.
Death
Martyn died on 7 August 1994 at home in St Mary's Bay, Kent at age 60.
Filmography
Idol on Parade (1959) - Teenager
Too Young to Love (1960) - Minor Role (uncredited) Never Let Go (1960) - Len Deadline Midnight (1961, TV Series) - Billy Brewster Flame in the Streets (1961) - Second Corner Boy (uncredited) Partners in Crime (1961) - Pete Lake Never Back Losers (1961) - Clive Parker The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961) - Man at Water Station (uncredited) The Damned (1962) - Teddy Boy (uncredited) On the Beat (1962) - Yob in Cafe (uncredited) Breath of Life (1963) - Tony The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery (1966) - Chips Up the Junction (1968) - Barrow Boy Up Pompeii! (1970, TV Series) - Verminus / Spurius / Gaoler Carry On at Your Convenience (1971) - Rifle Range Owner For the Love of Ada (1971, TV Series) - Brian Kindly Leave the Kerb (1971, TV Series) Upstairs, Downstairs (1972, TV Series) - The Electrician Are You Being Served? (1972-1975, TV Series) - Mr. Mash Spring and Autumn (1972-1976, TV Series) - Brian Reid / Joe Dickinson Elementary, My Dear Watson (1973) Whoops Baghdad (1973, TV Series) - Derti Dhoti On the Buses (1973, TV Series) - Fred Look - Mike Yarwood! (1974-1976, TV Series) Carry On Behind (1975) - Electrician Don Alfonso (1975, Music film by Mike Oldfield) - Don Alfonso A Sharp Intake of Breath (1980, TV Series) - Barry Penders Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981) - Orator Grange Hill (1981, TV Series) - Bus Conductor West End Tales (1981, TV Series) - Checkie Minder (1982, TV Series) - Smith Don't Wait Up (1983, TV Series) - Garage mechanic Slinger's Day (1986, TV Series) - 1st Man Customer High & Dry (1987, TV Series) - Electricity Board Inspector The Bill (1989-1993, TV Series) - Pub Landlord / Landlord / Greengrocer / Norman Harris (final appearance) The Detectives (1993, TV Series) - Stable Hand