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Ian Lavender of 'Dad's Army' dies at 77. He had been battling several health issues, including cancer. Lavender also had a longstanding career in entertainment and theater. Dad’s Army actor Ian Lavender was pronounced dead after a longtime battle with several health issues, including cancer. “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the wonderful Ian Lavender,” the announcement on his Instagram page reads. “In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the ‘Dad’s Army’ main cast.” Ian Lavender was only 22 when he played Private Frank Pike in the nine-season BBC comedy sitcom, which ended in 1977. His character was a fan favorite which “leaves behind a legacy of laughter enjoyed by millions.” “...Our thoughts and love are with Ian’s wonderful wife Miki, their family and close friends,” the statement concluded. Ian Lavender suffered multiple illnesses before his death January 26, 2016 - Ian Lavender attending 'Dad's Army' World Premiere, Odeon Leicester Square in London, UK. Ian was diagnosed with bladder cancer in the early ‘90s; however, he was rid of the tumor not long after. The late star also revealed to BBC that he had a heart attack “in the middle of reading an ‘EastEnders’ script” in 2002. “I just knew there was something very, very wrong. All I can say is I have never felt so dreadfully ill, and all in a few seconds,” he said at the time. RELATED: Make This Lavender Lemonade To Relieve Anxiety, Headaches, & Insomnia He advised people to “look after themselves, eat healthily and don’t take any risks” following the heart attack, which he considered himself lucky to have survived. Ian’s agent confirmed that he was ill for a while before finally passing with his wife, Miki, and their kids by his side. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dads Army Museum (@dadsarmymuseum) Ian’s entertainment career Ian's journey to Hollywood started with starring in the 1968 TV play Half Hour Story: Flowers at My Feet until his breakthrough role as Pike in Dad’s Army. He also reprised his role as Pike in the sitcom’s BBC Radio sequel, It Sticks Out Half a Mile which ran for only one cycle. Having become a household name, Ian explored theater, film, and comedy shows, showing off his range as an entertainer. London, UK. Ian Lavender performing live at The first Stone Free Festival at the O2 Arena, London on June 18th and 19th 2016Ref: LMK73-60326-200616Keith Mayhew/Landmark Media.WWW.LMKMEDIA.COM. In 2001, he joined the cast of EastEnders, where he played Derek Harkinson for four years. He returned to the show after fifteen years but left again after becoming ill with sepsis while filming Channel 5’s A Celebrity Taste of Italy. Ian earned several recognitions in his lifetime, including a star on the Birmingham Walk Of Stars in 2015.