Jon Pertwee was in a series from 1987 to 2001.
John Devon Roland Pertwee ( 7 July 1919 -- 20 May 1996 ) , known professionally as Jon Pertwee , was an English actor , entertainer and cabaret performer . He later played the title character in the series Worzel Gummidge from 1979 to 1981 , and again from 1987 to 1989 .