Pathetic Facts

British actors died in 2002

Here are 27 famous actors from United Kingdom died in 2002:

Dudley Moore

Dudley Moore (April 19, 1935 Hammersmith-March 27, 2002 Plainfield) also known as Dudley Stuart John Moore, Cuddly Dudley, The Sex Thimble, The Dudley Moore Trio or Dudley Stuart John Moore, CBE was a British comedian, actor, composer, musician, screenwriter, film score composer, film producer and voice actor. His children are called Nicholas Anthony Moore and Patrick H. Moore.

Dudley Moore rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the groundbreaking comedy group, Beyond the Fringe. He then became a household name through his work on popular British television shows like "Not Only...But Also" and "The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine". He also achieved success as a film actor, starring in hits like "10", "Arthur" and "Micki + Maude".

Moore was a talented musician and composer, and often incorporated his musical abilities into his performances. He released several albums as both a solo artist and with his jazz trio. Despite battling health issues later in life, including degenerative brain damage, he continued to perform and create music until his death in 2002 at the age of 66. Moore was honored with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2001 for his contributions to the arts.

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Tony Anholt

Tony Anholt (January 19, 1941 Singapore-July 26, 2002 London) also known as Anthony Anholt or Anthony "Tony" Anholt was a British actor. He had one child, Christien Anholt.

Tony Anholt was born in Singapore to a British father and Dutch-Indonesian mother. He moved to England at a young age and began his acting career in the 1960s. He is best known for his roles in popular British television shows such as "The Protectors", "Howards' Way", and "Space: 1999". Anholt also appeared in several films throughout his career, including "Genghis Khan" and "The Sicilian". He was married to fellow actress Tracey Childs for several years before their divorce in 1991. Anholt passed away in London in 2002 at the age of 61 after battling cancer.

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Eric Flynn

Eric Flynn (December 13, 1939 Hainan-March 4, 2002 Pembrokeshire) also known as Eric William Flynn was a British singer and actor. He had five children, Jerome Flynn, Daniel Flynn, Johnny Flynn, Kerry Flynn and Lillie Flynn.

Eric Flynn was born in Hainan, China, where his family were missionaries. He was raised in Northern Ireland before eventually moving to London to pursue a career in entertainment.

Flynn began his career in the mid-1960s, finding success as a pop singer with hits like "The Best Years of Our Lives" and "The Future's Not What It Used To Be." He later transitioned to acting, appearing in numerous stage productions and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Some of his most notable roles include playing Lieutenant Edward Courtenay in the popular British TV series "The Onedin Line" and playing the lead in the West End production of the musical "The Pirates of Penzance."

Despite his success, Flynn was known to struggle with alcoholism and addiction throughout his life. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 62.

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Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford

Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford (May 24, 1917 London-October 25, 2002 Santa Fe) otherwise known as John Ian Robert Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford, John Ian Robert Russell, Lord Howland, Marquess of Tavistock, Lord Tavistock, 13th Marquess of Tavistock, 17th Earl of Bedford, 17th Baron Russell, 15th Baron Russell of Thornhaugh, 13th Baron Howland, John Robert Russell, John Russell, Duke of Bedford, The Duke of Bedford or John Ian Robert Russell, Lord Howland was a British writer, journalist and actor. His children are called Robin Russell, 14th Duke of Bedford, Lord Rudolf Russel and Lord Francis Hastings Russell.

Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford was born into a noble family, the House of Russell, which had a long history of political and social influence in England. He received his education at Winchester College and Trinity College, Cambridge. During World War II, he served in the British Army and became a prisoner of war in Italy. After his release, he pursued a career in journalism and writing. He was a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines and authored several books including "The Life of Edward VII" and "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth: A Tribute to the Life and Reign of the Queen Mother". Apart from writing and journalism, he had an interest in acting and appeared in several films and television series. He was also a keen philanthropist and supporter of various charitable causes. In 1953, he married Clare Gwendolen Bridgman, and together, they had three children. He passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2002, and his eldest son, Robin Russell succeeded him as the 14th Duke of Bedford.

Bryan Pringle

Bryan Pringle (January 19, 1935 Glascote-May 15, 2002 London) was a British actor.

He began his acting career in the early 1960s and appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and stage productions throughout his career. Pringle was known for his versatility as an actor, often playing character roles ranging from comedic to dramatic. Some of his most notable roles include appearances in the films "The Abominable Dr. Phibes," "Brazil," and "The Fourth Protocol," as well as TV shows such as "Minder," "Fawlty Towers," and "The Bill." In addition to his acting, Pringle also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to various radio and television programs. He passed away at the age of 67 due to complications from cancer.

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Ian MacNaughton

Ian MacNaughton (December 30, 1925 Glasgow-December 10, 2002 Munich) a.k.a. Edward Ian MacNaughton, Ian 'Mixed Grill' MacNaughton 7/6d, Iain MacNaughton, Ian 'Mixed Grill' MacNaughton, Ian C. Macnaughtonberg or Ian McNaughton was a British film director, actor, television producer and television director.

MacNaughton is best known for his work on the British comedy television series, Monty Python's Flying Circus, which he directed and produced. He directed 19 of the 45 episodes of the series, including many of the iconic sketches such as "The Spanish Inquisition", "The Fish-Slapping Dance", and "The Ministry of Silly Walks". MacNaughton also directed the Python films And Now for Something Completely Different and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and served as producer on Monty Python's Life of Brian.

Before working with Monty Python, MacNaughton had a successful career in British television as a producer and director, working on series such as Steptoe and Son, Hancock's Half Hour, and The Benny Hill Show. He directed several episodes of the science fiction series Doctor Who, including the first ever regeneration story in which the character of the Doctor changes actors.

MacNaughton died in Munich, Germany in 2002 at the age of 76 due to complications from surgery.

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James Culliford

James Culliford (September 8, 1927-March 1, 2002 Brighton) otherwise known as James Cuillford was a British actor.

He began his career in the entertainment industry appearing in theatre productions, before transitioning to television and film. He is best known for his roles in the popular British television series, "The Avengers" and "Z-Cars". Culliford was also a writer and a director, and he directed and starred in the film "Steptoe and Son" in 1972. Throughout his lengthy career, Culliford appeared in numerous television shows and films, with his last appearance being in the television series "Casualty" in 1998.

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Terry Walsh

Terry Walsh (May 5, 1939 London-April 21, 2002 London) also known as Terry Walshe or Profile was a British stunt performer and actor.

He began his career in the entertainment industry as a stunt double, working on popular TV shows like "The Saint" and "The Avengers." Walsh went on to become a prolific stunt coordinator, working on over 70 movies including the James Bond films "You Only Live Twice" and "The Spy Who Loved Me." He also coordinated stunts for "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "Superman II."

In addition to his work as a stunt performer and coordinator, Walsh had a few acting roles throughout his career. He appeared in "Return of the Saint" and "The Sweeney" among other TV shows. He was known for performing dangerous stunts and was well respected in the industry for his skill and dedication to safety.

Sadly, Walsh died in 2002 at the age of 62 from lung cancer, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest stunt performers and coordinators in British film and TV history.

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Alan MacNaughtan

Alan MacNaughtan (March 4, 1920 Bearsden-August 29, 2002 London) also known as Alan McNaughtan or Alan MacNaughton was a British actor.

He was born in Bearsden, Scotland and began his acting career in 1947 with the Dundee Repertory Theatre. MacNaughtan later went on to perform in various West End productions, including playing the role of Ernest Beevers in the original production of the play, "The Cocktail Party" by T. S. Eliot. He was also a frequent presence on television and appeared in several films throughout his career. Notable appearances include roles in the films "The Guns of Navarone" and "The Dirty Dozen" as well as the television shows "Doctor Who," "Sherlock Holmes," and "The Avengers." MacNaughtan was highly regarded for his stage performances in various Shakespearean plays and was awarded the CBE for his services to drama. He passed away in London at the age of 82.

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Lonnie Donegan

Lonnie Donegan (April 29, 1931 Bridgeton, Glasgow-November 3, 2002 Peterborough) otherwise known as Lonnie Donnegan, Anthony James Donegan, Donegan, Lonnie, The King of Skiffle, Lonnie, Loni Donegan or Donegan, Loni was a British musician, songwriter, singer and actor. His children are called Peter Donegan and Anthony Donegan.

Donegan was a pioneer in the British skiffle music scene in the 1950s, which heavily influenced the emerging rock and roll genre. He is best known for his hit song "Rock Island Line" which topped the UK charts in 1956. Donegan went on to have 31 UK Top 30 singles and numerous albums throughout his career.

He also appeared in a number of films, including "Six-Five Special" and "What A Crazy World". Donegan was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2000 for his services to music.

Aside from his music career, Donegan had a keen interest in football and was a talented goalkeeper in his youth. He also served in the British Army during the 1950s.

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John Justin

John Justin (November 24, 1917 London-November 29, 2002 Petersfield) also known as John Justinian de Ledesma was a British actor.

He was born in London, England to Spanish and English parents. Justin began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in numerous films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940) and "The Crimson Pirate" (1952). He also acted on stage in productions such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for the Old Vic Theatre Company. Justin gained international recognition for his roles in Hollywood films such as "The King's Thief" (1955) and "Solomon and Sheba" (1959). During the 1960s and 1970s, he focused more on television roles, appearing in shows like "The Saint" and "The Avengers". Justin was also a skilled linguist and spoke eight languages fluently. He was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1986 for his contributions to British theatre and film.

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James Copeland

James Copeland (May 1, 1918 Helensburgh-April 17, 2002 London) was a British actor. He had one child, James Cosmo.

James Copeland was an acclaimed stage and screen actor who had a career spanning over five decades. He began his acting career in the early 1940s, starting out on the stage in productions of notable plays such as The Tempest and The Merchant of Venice. He also appeared in a few films during that time, but it wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that he became a recognisable figure on British television.

One of Copeland's most prominent roles was in the BBC drama series "Z Cars", where he played the character of PC Colin Phipps for over four years. He also appeared in other popular series like "Doctor Who", "The Sweeney", and "Minder". In addition to his television work, he also appeared in films such as "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" (1961) and "The Ipcress File" (1965).

Despite his success on screen, Copeland continued to work in theatre throughout his career. He performed in numerous productions in the West End and with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Copeland's son, James Cosmo, also followed in his father's footsteps and became an actor. He has appeared in films such as "Braveheart" (1995) and "Game of Thrones" (2011-2019). James Copeland passed away in 2002 at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy as a respected and talented actor.

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Barry Foster

Barry Foster (August 21, 1927 Beeston-February 11, 2002 Guildford) a.k.a. John Barry Foster was a British actor and voice actor. He had three children, Miranda Foster, Joanna Foster and Jason Foster.

Barry Foster gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a versatile stage and screen actor, primarily appearing in British TV shows and movies. He starred in the TV series "Van der Valk" as the titular Dutch detective and also had roles in several movies including "Frenzy", "The Green Man" and "The Silent Partner". Foster was also a prolific voice actor and lent his voice to numerous radio programs, documentaries and commercials. His stage work included several West End productions and he was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Foster was known for his nuanced performances and his ability to bring depth to his characters. He passed away in 2002, leaving behind a legacy as one of the finest actors of his generation.

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Michael Bryant

Michael Bryant (April 5, 1928 London-April 25, 2002 Richmond, London) a.k.a. Michael Dennis Bryant or Michael Dennis Bryant, CBE was a British actor.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and began his career on stage in the early 1950s. Bryant appeared in numerous productions at the National Theatre, including the original productions of Tom Stoppard's "Jumpers" and "Travesties." He was also a prolific television and film actor, appearing in productions such as "Nicholas and Alexandra," "Anna Karenina," and "The Guns of Navarone." Later in his career, he became a respected teacher of acting, leading workshops and seminars at RADA and other institutions. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1994.

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Howard Pays

Howard Pays (June 11, 1927 England-April 12, 2002 Hampshire) also known as Puffin, Harold Reginald Pays or Howard Reginald Pays was a British actor. His child is called Amanda Pays.

Howard Pays began his acting career in the 1950s, and appeared in many film and television productions over the course of several decades. Some of his most notable works include "Sons and Lovers", "The Forsyte Saga", and "The Bill". Pays was also a respected stage actor, who performed in numerous productions in London's West End.

In addition to his acting career, Pays was a talented musician, who played the guitar and sang in several bands. He was known to incorporate his musical skills into his acting roles whenever possible.

Pays was married and had one child, a daughter named Amanda Pays, who also went on to become an actress. Pays passed away in 2002 at the age of 74, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of entertainment.

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Noel Davis

Noel Davis (March 1, 1927 Liverpool-November 24, 2002 Chelsea) also known as Edgar Davis, Davis and Zimmermann or Davis Zimmerman was a British actor and casting director.

He began his career as an actor in the late 1940s, appearing in several films and TV shows. In the 1950s, he transitioned into casting and quickly became one of the most sought-after casting directors in the industry. He worked on numerous films including "Lawrence of Arabia", "Doctor Zhivago", and "The Great Escape", among others. Davis also played a key role in discovering and launching the careers of many well-known actors, including Michael Caine, Anthony Hopkins, and John Hurt. He continued working in the industry until his death in 2002, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of film and television.

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Michael Elphick

Michael Elphick (September 19, 1946 Chichester-September 7, 2002 Willesden) a.k.a. Michael John Elphick was a British actor. His child is called Kate Elphick.

Elphick started his acting career in the mid-1970s, appearing in a number of television shows and movies. He gained popularity for his role as Ken Boon in the British television series "Boon" which aired from 1986 to 1992. Elphick also appeared in several films, including "Quadrophenia" (1979) and "Withnail and I" (1987).

Aside from his acting career, Elphick was also known for his struggles with alcoholism, which he openly discussed in interviews. He passed away unexpectedly in 2002 at the age of 55 due to a heart attack. Despite his personal challenges, Elphick was remembered fondly by his colleagues for his talent as an actor and his kind and generous nature.

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Peter R. Hunt

Peter R. Hunt (March 11, 1925 London-August 14, 2002 Santa Monica) also known as Peter Roger Hunt, P. Hunt or Peter Hunt was a British film director, television director, film editor, television producer and actor. His child is called Nicholas Kourtis.

Peter R. Hunt began his career as a film editor and is best known for his work on the early James Bond films, including "From Russia with Love," "Goldfinger," and "Dr. No." He transitioned to directing with the Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and went on to direct other films such as "Death Hunt" and "Shout at the Devil." In addition to his film work, Hunt also directed episodes of popular TV shows such as "The Persuaders!" and "The Avengers." After retiring from directing, he worked as a drama teacher at the University of Southern California. Hunt passed away in 2002 at the age of 77.

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Joe Strummer

Joe Strummer (August 21, 1952 Ankara-December 22, 2002 Broomfield) also known as John Graham Mellor, John Mellor, Woody or Woody Mellor was a British singer, musician, actor, guitarist, songwriter, radio personality, film score composer and lyricist. He had two children, Jazz Mellor and Lola Mellor.

He was best known as the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the iconic British punk rock band The Clash, which was active from 1976 to 1986. Strummer was known for his politically charged lyrics and energetic stage presence, and he was a major influence on the punk rock movement in the UK and around the world.

After The Clash disbanded in 1986, Strummer went on to form the band The Mescaleros, releasing three albums with them. He also had a successful solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with other musicians.

Aside from his music career, Strummer also acted in a number of films, including "Straight To Hell" and "Mystery Train". He was also a radio personality, hosting a show on BBC Radio 2 called "London Calling" from 1999 to 2002.

Strummer passed away on December 22, 2002 at the age of 50 from an undiagnosed heart defect. He is remembered as one of the most influential and important figures in the punk rock movement, and his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians to this day.

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William Dysart

William Dysart (November 26, 1929 Glasgow-October 1, 2002 London) was a British actor.

He was best known for his work on stage, having made his theatrical debut in 1952. Dysart performed in numerous productions in London's West End and with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and also toured extensively throughout the UK.

He was also a familiar face on British television, appearing in a variety of shows such as "Doctor Who," "The Troubleshooters," and "Z-Cars." Dysart's film credits include "The Omen" (1976), "The Plague Dogs" (1982), and "Howards End" (1992).

Aside from acting, Dysart was also an accomplished director, having directed productions at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester and the Greenwich Theatre in London. He was married to actress Heather Sears from 1957 until her death in 1994.

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Stanley Unwin

Stanley Unwin (June 7, 1911 Pretoria-January 12, 2002 Daventry) also known as Unwin, Stanley or Professor Stanley Unwin was a British comedian, writer and actor. He had three children, Marion Unwin, Lois Unwin and John Unwin.

Unwin was known for his proficient use of an invented language known as "Unwinese," which relied on deliberate mispronunciation, wordplay, and nonsensical phrases. He began his career in entertainment in the 1930s, performing as a stand-up comedian and also working as a film extra. He gained fame in the 1950s and 60s through his various television and radio appearances, including his own show on BBC Radio.

In addition to his comedic work, Unwin also authored several books including an autobiography, "Win or Lose," and a novel, "The Truth About Breastfeeding." He also made numerous appearances on game shows, including "Celebrity Squares" and "Call My Bluff."

After retiring from the entertainment industry in the 1970s, Unwin remained active in various charitable organizations in his community. He passed away on January 12, 2002 at the age of 90.

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Barry Took

Barry Took (June 19, 1928 Wood Green-March 31, 2002 Enfield Town) was a British writer, comedian, screenwriter, actor, television producer and presenter. He had four children, Barry Took, Susan Took, David Took and Elinor Took.

Barry Took is most famous for co-writing and presenting the BBC Radio 4 show, "Round the Horne", which ran from 1965 until 1968. He also co-wrote and presented several other BBC radio and television shows, such as "The Army Game" and "Point of Law". Additionally, Took wrote for various newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Mail and Punch. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Sussex in recognition of his contributions to comedy. Outside of his work, Took was known for his charity work and supported various causes, such as cancer research and animal welfare.

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Raymond Adamson

Raymond Adamson (July 7, 1920 Beckenham-March 1, 2002 Kent) also known as Ray Adamson or Raymond John Adamson was a British actor.

He began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to have a successful career in film, television, and theater. Adamson appeared in several popular British TV shows such as "The Avengers", "Doctor Who", and "Z-Cars". He also appeared in films such as "The Hill" (1965) and "The Mackintosh Man" (1973).

Aside from acting, Adamson was also a manager and agent for other actors, including his wife, the actress Jean Challis. He was known for his generosity and kindness to fellow actors and was respected within the industry.

Adamson passed away in 2002 at the age of 81 in Kent, England. He is remembered for his contributions to British film, television, and theater.

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Robert Desmond

Robert Desmond (November 27, 2014 London-November 27, 2014 London) was a British actor.

Robert Desmond was born on November 27, 1914 in London. He began his career as a stage actor and then transitioned to film and television. He appeared in many popular British films including "Brief Encounter" and "The Lavender Hill Mob." He was also a regular on television shows such as "Emergency-Ward 10" and "The Forsyte Saga." Desmond was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray a wide range of characters. He passed away on his 100th birthday on November 27, 2014 in London.

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Peter Bayliss

Peter Bayliss (June 27, 1922 Kingston upon Thames-July 29, 2002 London) also known as Peter Baylis was a British actor.

Bayliss was perhaps best known for his role as Coronation Street's Eddie Yeats, which he played between 1974 and 1983. Prior to his soap opera fame, Bayliss made appearances in a number of other popular TV shows including Z-Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, and The Sweeney. In addition to his work in television, Bayliss also appeared on stage and in films such as The Land That Time Forgot (1975) and The Slipper and the Rose (1976). He was known for his distinctive appearance, which included a bald head and large mustache. Bayliss continued acting until his death in 2002 at the age of 80.

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Stuart Burge

Stuart Burge (January 15, 1918 Brentwood-January 24, 2002 Lymington) was a British film director, film producer, actor, television director and television producer.

Burge began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, appearing in various productions in London's West End theater district. He later transitioned to directing, working on several notable films such as "Othello" (1965) and "Macbeth" (1971). He was also highly regarded for his work in television, directing and producing episodes of popular series such as "The Avengers" and "The Saint". In addition to his work in film and television, Burge was also active in the theater world, helming productions of plays by William Shakespeare and Harold Pinter. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts, including a BAFTA Award and a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). Despite his success, Burge remained humble and dedicated to his craft until his passing in 2002.

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Norman Vaughan

Norman Vaughan (April 10, 1923 Liverpool-May 17, 2002 London) also known as Norman Edward Vaughan was a British comedian and actor.

He was born in Liverpool but grew up in Warrington, Cheshire. Vaughan began his career in entertainment as a singer and comedian, and was known for his energetic style and his catchphrase, "Swinging!" He went on to become a popular television personality in the UK, hosting his own show, The Norman Vaughan Show, in the 1950s and '60s.

Vaughan also had success as an actor, with notable roles in films such as The Dirty Dozen and Carry On Camping. Later in life, he became an animal rights activist and wrote a book called "Give A Dog A Name" about his experiences rescuing dogs. He died in London in 2002 at the age of 79.

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