Veteran actor Edward Woodward has died aged 79, his agent has confirmed.
The Croydon-born star had been suffering from various illnesses including pneumonia and died in hospital, said Janet Glass.
Woodward is most famous for his roles in the cult 1973 horror film The Wicker Man, alongside Christopher Lee, and US TV series The Equalizer.
He was last seen on screen in BBC One soap EastEnders as Tommy Clifford earlier this year.
The actor, who lived in Hawker's Cove near Padstow, died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.
Ms Glass said he had been ill for several months and passed away surrounded by members of his family.
'Brave spirit'
"I knew him a very long time and he was a superb human being," she said.
"That integrity shone through in the roles he played. I can't ever remember, in all the productions he undertook, anyone having a bad word to say about him and he never had anything bad to say about anyone else either."
Ms Glass added: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.
"His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives," she said.
Woodward is survived by his second wife, the actress Michele Dotrice, and four children, three of whom he had during his first marriage.
Posted by There'll be no morning for us (Member # 5804) on :
Very sad
RIP Edward
Posted by Pittsburghgirl (Member # 7514) on :
OMG, that is sad news. I loved him in both the Wicker Man and the Equalizer, especially the Equ. I always thought he was so classy and handsome. Thanks for posting the news There'll be no morning. I remember when he was struck down with a heart attack and it took him a long time to recover back in the 1980's while filming the Equalizer. RIP Edward.
Posted by Kash (Member # 297) on :
Great actor, will be missed. The Equalizer was where I knew him from, but saw some of his films later on: very intense actor, particualry in a movie called 'Breaker Morant'.
Posted by Faith No Motley (Member # 3598) on :
He was Tom in Hot Fuzz too. RIP to a great actor.......
Posted by P a u l (Member # 1022) on :
Don't forget that he was also responsible for inspiring the "E-Wa-Woo-Woo" joke.....
Very sadly missed....
Posted by Askanison (Member # 8380) on :
![[Frown]](frown.gif)