David Tomlinson, who was born in 1917,  was featured in many British comedies of the 1940’s and 1950’s.    Suddenly in middle-age he became hughly popular in the U.S.A. as a result of a series of films he made with Walt Disney Studios in California.in the mid 1960’s starting with his role of Mr Banks in “Mary Poppins”.   He also made “The Love Bug” and “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” for the Disney studio.   he retired from acting in 1979 and died in 2000.   The popularity of the Disney films and also some of his earlier British ones has ensured that his popularity continues.   His “Guardian” obituary by Denis Barker can be accessed here.