Bernard Woolley

Bernard Woolley (born September 2, 1937) is one of the three main characters of the 1980s British sitcom Yes, Minister and its sequel Yes, Prime Minister. He was portrayed by Derek Fowlds.

Related Topics:
September 2 - 1937 - 1980 - British sitcom - Yes, Minister - Yes, Prime Minister - Derek Fowlds

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He is the Principal Private Secretary to the Minister, then Prime Minister, James "Jim" Hacker. However, his loyalties are split between his Minister and his Civil Service boss, Sir Humphrey Appleby. Bernard is always quick to point out Sir Humphrey's or Jim's mixed metaphors, with almost excessive pedantry. He can appear rather childlike on occasions, by making animal noises and gestures or by acting out how a mixed metaphor cannot work. Even so, on many occasions Sir Humphrey describes Bernard as a "rising star" and "high flier" of the Civil Service and Bernard plays an important role in many episodes in helping Jim Hacker. In the novelisations of the series, it is stated that Woolley eventually rose to the post of Head of the Home Civil Service.

Related Topics:
Principal Private Secretary - James "Jim" Hacker - Civil Service - Sir Humphrey Appleby

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Bernard, like the Minister and Sir Humphrey, progresses through the series, especially in his understanding of political mastery. In the very final episode of Yes, Prime Minister, "A Tangled Web", Bernard on his own accord both saves Sir Humphrey from public embarrassment and gives Jim a lasting weapon to use against Sir Humphrey, by acquiring the only original recording of Sir Humphrey describing the British public in many unpleasant ways off the record. However apart from the moment at the end of the episode in the Cabinet room we do not see it ever be used again, as this was the final episode. It should be noted that while Woolley shares his date of birth with Derek Fowlds (the actor who played him), he does not necessarily share aspects of his character.

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