Butterflies Cast Where Are They Now?
by Sangamithra
Updated Dec 23, 2023
Butterflies Cast Where Are They Now?
The cast of "Butterflies," a popular BBC sitcom that ran from 1978 to 1983, has taken different paths since the show ended. Let's take a look at where the main cast members are now:
Wendy Craig (Ria Parkinson): Wendy played the role of Ria, a frustrated housewife searching for more in life. Post-"Butterflies," Wendy continued her successful acting career with roles in Emmerdale, The Worst Witch, and Doctors. She was honored with a CBE in 2020 for her contributions to drama and charity.
Geoffrey Palmer (Ben Parkinson): Geoffrey, who portrayed Ria's husband Ben, continued his acting career in various sitcoms like The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin and As Time Goes By. Tragically, Geoffrey Palmer passed away in 2020 at the age of 93.
Nicholas Lyndhurst (Adam Parkinson): Nicholas, who later gained fame as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, played Ria and Ben's son Adam. He has continued his successful career on screen and stage. Nicholas faced a personal tragedy in 2021 when his son Archie passed away at the age of 19 from a brain hemorrhage.
Andrew Hall (Russell Parkinson): Andrew, who portrayed Ria and Ben's older son Russell, went on to appear in various soaps like Brookside, EastEnders, and Coronation Street. Sadly, he passed away in 2019 at the age of 65 after battling cancer.
Bruce Montague (Leonard): Bruce played Ria's friend Leonard. His career spanned TV and theatre, with appearances in Hollyoaks and New Tricks. Bruce Montague passed away in 2022 at the age of 83.
The cast members have had diverse careers and faced both professional successes and personal challenges since their time on "Butterflies." The show remains a fond memory for fans, and the cast's journeys reflect the passage of time and the various paths that life can take.
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Butterflies
"Butterflies" is a British sitcom created and written by Carla Lane, which aired on BBC2 from November 10, 1978, to October 19, 1983, with later repeats on BBC1. The show revolves around the day-to-day life of the middle-class Parkinson family, offering a mix of traditional comedy and more serious themes. The main character, Ria, portrayed by Wendy Craig, navigates her comfortable but unfulfilling life.
The sitcom explores classic comedic elements like Ria's cooking mishaps and family squabbles, alongside deeper themes such as her unfulfilled relationship with the successful Leonard. Despite being married to Ben and raising two teenage sons, Ria yearns for something more. Throughout the series, Ria embarks on a quest for fulfillment, finding an unconventional friendship with Leonard.
The show's title is metaphorically explained in the first episode, where Ria and Leonard discuss chasing butterflies as a metaphor for pursuing desires. Carla Lane, in a 2002 interview, revealed her intention to create a comedy addressing a woman seriously contemplating adultery. Set in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, "Butterflies" spans four series with a total of 30 episodes, including two shorts.
The sitcom features a notable cast, including Geoffrey Palmer, Nicholas Lyndhurst, and others. Dolly Parton's "Love Is Like a Butterfly" serves as the theme music. The series captures the bittersweet essence of Ria's life, blending humor with deeper reflections on love and fulfillment.
Butterflies Cast
Ria Parkinson
Wendy Craig
Ben Parkinson
Geoffrey Palmer
Adam Parkinson
Nicholas Lyndhurst
Russell Parkinson
Andrew Hall
Leonard
Bruce Montague
Thomas (Chauffeur)
Michael Ripper
Ruby (Cleaner)
Joyce Windsor
Character
Actor
Butterflies Plot
"Butterflies" is a British sitcom that unfolds over four series, comprising a total of twenty-eight episodes from 1978 to 1983. The show revolves around the lives of the Parkinson family, particularly focusing on Ria Parkinson, played by Wendy Craig.
In the first series (1978), Ria encounters Leonard, a man who captures her interest, and tensions rise between her husband Ben, and son Russell. Ria contemplates getting a job, leading to conflict with Ben. The series touches on protests, relationships, and personal reflections, with Russell chaining himself to a statue and Ria pondering a life 'spring-cleaning.'
The second series (1979) explores Adam's relationship struggles, Ria's activism against fox hunting, and encounters with new acquaintances. Ria faces challenges like avoiding hitting a dog and taking a keep fit class. The episodes delve into the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth.
The third series (1980) witnesses Adam starting a new job, Russell dealing with impending fatherhood, and the family coping with various issues. Ria takes a day trip to London, and Leonard's departure to New York introduces emotional farewells and reflections.
The fourth series (1983) continues the family's journey, including Ria's correspondence with Leonard and unexpected visits from past acquaintances. The storyline unfolds with trips to Paris, family dynamics, and Ria's decision to confront and resolve her complicated friendship with Leonard.
Throughout the series, "Butterflies" navigates the humor and challenges of the Parkinson family's day-to-day life, blending traditional comedic elements with deeper themes of relationships, personal aspirations, and the evolving dynamics within the family.
Butterflies Cast Where Are They Now - FAQs
"Butterflies" aired on BBC2 from November 10, 1978, to October 19, 1983.
Wendy Craig portrayed Ria Parkinson in the sitcom.
The title "Butterflies" is metaphorically explained in the first episode as a symbol for pursuing desires.
The series comprises a total of 30 episodes, including two shorts.
Nicholas Lyndhurst faced a personal tragedy in 2021 when his son Archie passed away at the age of 19 from a brain hemorrhage.