Who is Ian Lavender’s wife Miki Hardy and ex-wife Suzanne Kerchiss?
DAD’S Army legend Ian Lavender has sadly died, aged 77.
The iconic actor’s death sees him leave behind his much-loved family, which includes wife Miki Hardy.
Who is Ian Lavender’s wife Miki Hardy?
American-born Michele – Miki – Hardy was a choreographer on the Dad’s Army stage show, which followed the success of the BBC series.
She met Ian Lavender when they both worked on the theatre production, and quickly became a couple.
We had been living together for 16 years and it was something I should have done a long time before.
Ian Lavender on marrying Miki
By this point, Miki’s soon-to-be-husband had become a household name playing Private Pike, on Dad’s Army.
The actor was just 22 when he was cast in the role of Pike, a junior bank clerk frequently referred to by Captain Mainwaring as “stupid boy”.
The popular BBC sitcom ran for nine series between 1968 and 1973, regularly attracting audiences of 18 million viewers.
When did Ian Lavender and Miki Hardy marry?
Although the couple met in the 70s they didn’t wed until 1993.
Ian previously revealed how a health scare had made them decide it was time to get married.
In 1993, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, six days before marrying Miki.
On the diagnosis and the subsequent marriage, Ian said in an interview that year: “We had been living together for 16 years and it was something I should have done a long time before, these things change you, they help you to see what is important in life.”
The couple were married for over 30 years up until Ian’s death on February 2, 2024.
Announcing his sad passing on February 5, 2024, the Dad’s Army social media account said his passing “truly marks the end of an era.”
The post read: “We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the wonderful, Ian Lavender.
“His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come.
“He leaves behind a legacy of laughter enjoyed by millions. We will dedicate this year’s tour to his memory.
“Our thoughts and love are with Ian’s wonderful wife Miki, their family and close friends.”
Who is Ian Lavender’s ex wife Suzanne Kerchiss?
Ian was previously married to fellow actor Suzanne Kerchiss from 1967 until their divorce in 1973.
Her acting career was mainly in the 60s and she was known for BBC Play of the Month, and He Said, She Said.
Sue also starred alongside Ian in Dad’s Army, for one episode in 1973.
During their time together, the former couple welcomed two children called Sam and Daniel.
Both of their sons have followed their famous parents into showbusiness.
Sam is a producer, best known for the 2015 Colin Farrell movie, The Lobster.
Meanwhile, Ian and Sue’s other son Daniel is reportedly an animator and editor, who has worked on films like The Amazing Spider-Man 2.