Career: On his return from service, Macnee studied at the Webber Douglas School of Dramatic Art. Small roles in several films followed but, frustrated at the lack of opportunity in Britain, he emigrated to Canada, then moved to the US. He appeared in numerous TV plays and films before returning to the UK in 1959. Producing Winston Churchill: The Valiant Years brought him to the attention of TV bosses who, to his surprise, offered him the role of John Steed in The Avengers in 1961. He stayed with the popular series until it ended in 1969, but returned to the role in The New Avengers in 1976. Macnee also appeared in such movies as A View to a Kill, This Is Spinal Tap and The Sea Wolves. He died on June 25, 2015.

Career: In 1959, Rigg signed a five-year contract with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her move to TV came in 1965 when she was offered the role of Emma Peel in The Avengers, but the demand for interviews and photographs proved too much, forcing her to quit in 1967. She went on to star in various movies, including On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Julius Caesar and The Great Muppet Caper, but by the 1980s her screen success was fading. However, she returned to form in 1989 in the award-winning miniseries Mother Love, and has appeared continually on stage, film and TV ever since. In 2013, she made a memorable Doctor Who villain alongside Matt Smith and her real-life daughter Rachael Stirling, and has a regular role in the acclaimed Game of Thrones.

Career: Laurie made guest appearances in a number of TV shows during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, including The Scarlet Pimpernel, Kidnapped, The Citadel, Steptoe and Son, Z Cars, Emergency Ward 10 and The Avengers. In his best known role, he played pessimistic undertaker and Home Guard soldier Private James Frazer in the hugely popular BBC sitcom Dad's Army. The show ran from 1968 until 1977 and remains popular today with modern audiences. His film credits include Henry V (1944), Treasure Island (1950), Richard III (1955), Dad's Army (1971), One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing (1975) and The Prisoner of Zenda (1979). He died from emphysema at the age of 83 on June 23, 1980. His ashes were scattered at sea.