Obituary: Andrew Sachs won a place in British hearts as hapless Spanish waiter Manuel

Andrew Sachs, who has died aged 86, won a place in British hearts and minds with his role as bungling Spanish waiter Manuel in the classic TV series Fawlty Towers.

Although the German-born British actor will perhaps forever be mostly closely associated with Manuel, Sachs's repertoire extended far beyond the iconic comic figure.

He played a plethora of roles, including Dr Watson in a Sherlock Holmes series, and Jeeves in PG Wodehouse's The Code Of The Woosters - both of which were radio adaptations.

Born Andreas Siegfried Sachs in Berlin on April 7, 1930, the veteran actor moved to England with his family when he was eight to escape Nazi persecution of the Jews.

He rose to fame in the role of Manuel in Fawlty Towers, which ran from 1975 to 1979.

The character was constantly bullied by the hotel proprietor Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese.

Despite only running for 12 episodes, Fawlty Towers was voted number one in the British Film Institute's 100 Greatest Television Programmes in 2000.

From 1984 to 1986, Sachs starred as Father Brown in a BBC radio series based on the stories of GK Chesterton.

He also appeared in several children's TV shows, including William's Wish Wellingtons, Starhill Ponies and Alf Tales.

In addition, Sachs narrated numerous television documentaries and radio productions.

His narrations on audio books included CS Lewis's Narnia series and Alexander McCall Smith's first online book, Corduroy Mansions.

However, it was Sachs's portrayal of Manuel that most struck a chord with viewers.

He released four singles as the Spanish waiter, including Manuel's Good Food Guide. In 1981, he released a cover version of Joe of Dolce's UK number one Shaddap You Face as Manuel.

In 2008, Sachs was the centre of a high-profile firestorm when comedian Russell Brand and TV presenter Jonathan Ross left obscene and profane messages relating to the actor's grand-daughter on his answering machine.

More than 500 people complained to the BBC, which subsequently apologised to Sachs for the offensive remarks.

Sachs's public and television appearances began to wane, and it was later revealed that he spent his last four years living with vascular dementia.

He leaves behind his wife Melody and his three children.