Bill Naughton; Irish-Born Author Created the Character of ‘Alfie’

Bill Naughton, the Irish writer who created a memorable Cockney woman-chaser named Alfie, has died at 82.

He died Thursday at his home in the Isle of Man, his family said. The cause of death was not stated.

The Alfie role in the 1966 film of the same name made Michael Caine an international star.

Naughton’s comedy “Spring and Port Wine,” about a Lancashire family in the town of Bolton, broke box-office records at London’s Mermaid Theatre and was also made into a film. His other film stories included “The Family Way.”

Naughton was born in Ireland and brought to England when he was 4.

Naughton was a coal bagger before his writing talent was discovered. He worked in London for the humor magazine Lilliput, and then for radio and television. His first published novel was “A Roof Over Your Head” in 1945.

Naughton moved to the Isle of Man 30 years ago for a quiet life with his family.

His autobiography, “Saintly Billy--A Catholic Boyhood,” was published in 1988.

Naughton is survived by his wife, Erna, two children and grandchildren.