Brit Comedy Legend Mollie Sugden Dies

Mollie Sugden, best known stateside as Mrs. Slocombe on the long-running BBC sitcom Are You Being Served? passed away Wednesday after a long illness. She was 86.

The Guardian reports that Sugden built a career around playing "fearsome battleaxes," a trend that started with shows like The Liver Birds and Come Back Mrs. Noah . But it was with Are You Being Served? that she achieved fame around the world.

In each episode, Mrs. Slocombe sported a different hair color and rattled on about her "pussy."

Sugden is survived by her twin sons, Robin and Simon Moore.

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Name: antonio
Date posted: 7/5/2009 3:12:00 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles

Comment:
Every time she talked about her pussy, I would laugh. R.I.P. Mollie.
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Name: Kevin R.
Date posted: 7/4/2009 4:46:00 PM
Hometown: Carriere,Ms

Comment:
I feel like a family memebr has passed.
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Name: George
Date posted: 7/4/2009 12:24:00 PM
Hometown: San Dieg

Comment:
I will miss Mrs Slocombe and (her pussy!) Thanks for the many memories and years of laughter Betty.
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Name: Larry Terricone
Date posted: 7/3/2009 10:11:00 PM
Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ

Comment:
I am sitting here watching Are you Being Served. An eposode I have seen a dozen times and will watch another dozen times. I never tire of the show. One of the things that has made it so special contributions of Mollie. So much talent, such timing, such delivery. Her brand of talent and comedy is rare and she will be missed. And as we all have said because it is so her, I am unanamous in that.
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Name: Paul
Date posted: 7/3/2009 9:37:00 PM
Hometown: New York, NY

Comment:
When I lived in San Francisco in the early '90s, Mollie came to town to appear in a non-singing role with the opera. She was doing an in-store appearance, and the lines went around the block to get an autograph. She was floored that we in the U.S. loved her as much as we do. (She once commented that she flubbed her line when it came out, "Are you pee, Captain Freecock?") She will be missed, but we'll always have repeats of Mrs Slocumbe to look forward to.
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Name: Shirley Liktor
Date posted: 7/3/2009 6:47:00 PM
Hometown: Rochester, New York

Comment:
I have always loved watching Are You Being Served. The actors were so talented and I enjoyed their many problems they solved each episode. I am saddened to learn of Molly's passing as I was for John's and Wendy'. When you have truly talented people leave this world then a little sunshine and laughter goes with them....Very difficult on the ones they leave behind.. God bless them all.
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Name: Dennis
Date posted: 7/3/2009 10:44:00 AM
Hometown: Philadelphia

Comment:
I am so sad. She was one of my favorite television performers and helped to make the show such a beloved institution. She was a legend in her own time and now joins her late co-stars John Inman and Wendy Richard in Heaven. Thank you, Mrs. Slocombe, and "I am unanimous in that"!
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Name: Carrie
Date posted: 7/2/2009 11:15:00 PM
Hometown: York, PA

Comment:
Yet another comedic legend lost. The world will never be the same without you, Mollie. You were my first favorite comedian at the tender age of four thanks to my Grandmum. RIP
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Name: Tom
Date posted: 7/2/2009 10:00:00 PM
Hometown: Phoenix

Comment:
Remember when the staff was locked in the building overnight and Mrs. Slocombe called her neighbor on the phone? "Hullo, this is Mrs. Slocombe from next door. I'm wondering if you could do me a favour. Will you come over and peek through my mail slot, and if you see my pussy, will you throw in a sardine?" My God, I'm going to miss her.
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Name: Kelley Ridings
Date posted: 7/2/2009 7:36:00 PM
Hometown: Truth or Consequences

Comment:
Mollie Sugden was absolutely perfect in Are You Being Served. Her talents served the show and its public well.

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