British actors died in 2005
Here are 25 famous actors from United Kingdom died in 2005:
Ronnie Barker
Ronnie Barker (September 25, 1929 Bedford-October 3, 2005 Adderbury) a.k.a. Ronald William George Barker, Jack Goetz, Gerald Wiley, Jonathan Cobbald, The Two Ronnies, Ronnie Barker O.B.E., David Huggett, Bob Ferris, Gerald Wilrey, Ronald William George "Ronnie" Barker, Ronald, Larry Keith, G. Wiley, Gerard Wiley or Barker, Ronnie was a British presenter, comedian, writer, actor, businessperson and screenwriter. His children are called Charlotte Barker, Larry Barker and Adam Barker.
Ronnie Barker was born in Bedfordshire, England, and grew up during World War II. He started his career as a bank clerk before moving on to work as an actor and comedian. Barker was best known for his partnership with Ronnie Corbett on the popular British sketch show, "The Two Ronnies," which ran from 1971 to 1987. He was also known for his roles in other TV programs such as "Porridge" and "Open All Hours". Besides his TV work, Barker was also a writer and wrote the sitcoms "Going Straight" and "Clarence". He was honored with several awards throughout his career, including OBE, the BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award, and The British Comedy Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award. After battling a long illness, Ronnie Barker passed away in 2005 at the age of 76.
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Ronald Leigh-Hunt
Ronald Leigh-Hunt (October 5, 1920 London-September 12, 2005 Isleworth) a.k.a. Ronald Frederick Leigh-Hunt or Ronald Leigh Hunt was a British actor.
He was born in London in 1920 and showed an early interest in acting, studying drama and appearing in school productions. Leigh-Hunt honed his craft in repertory theatre before making his way to the West End and film and television.
Throughout his career, he appeared in a variety of productions, including the long-running UK television series "The Avengers" and the films "Brighton Rock" and "The Jokers." He was also known for his stage work and appeared in productions of "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Cherry Orchard."
Leigh-Hunt continued to act into his later years, with his last film role being in the 2004 film "Stage Beauty." He passed away in Isleworth in 2005.
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Ed Bishop
Ed Bishop (June 11, 1932 Brooklyn-June 8, 2005 Kingston upon Thames) otherwise known as Edward Bishop or George Victor Bishop was a British actor and voice actor. His children are called Daniel Bishop, Georgina Bishop, Serina Bishop and Jessica Bishop.
Ed Bishop was best known for his work in science fiction television series, most notably as Commander Ed Straker in the 1970s cult classic "UFO". He also had a recurring role in the spy series "The Secret Service". Bishop started his career as a DJ for an American radio station in Japan before relocating to the UK and beginning his acting career. In addition to his acting work, Bishop was also a popular voice artist, lending his voice to numerous commercials, action figures, and audiobook narrations. He passed away in 2005 following a battle with leukemia.
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John Mills
John Mills (February 22, 1908 North Elmham-April 23, 2005 Denham) a.k.a. Lewis Ernest Watts Mills, Sir John Mills, Johnny, Johnny Mills or Sir John Mills CBE was a British actor. His children are called Hayley Mills, Juliet Mills and Jonathan Mills.
John Mills was one of Britain's most beloved actors, having appeared in over 120 films during his long career. He began acting in 1929 and became a star in the 1940s with roles in films such as "This Happy Breed" and "Great Expectations". Mills won an Academy Award for his role in the film "Ryan's Daughter" in 1970 and was knighted in 1976. He appeared in a range of films throughout his career, from war dramas to comedies, and was known for his ability to bring depth and humanity to his roles. In addition to his successful acting career, Mills was also a dedicated supporter of charities, including Save the Children and the NSPCC. After his death at the age of 97, he was remembered as a true legend of British cinema.
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John Bennett
John Bennett (May 8, 1928 Beckenham-April 11, 2005 London) a.k.a. John Bennet or John David Bennett was a British actor.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his career on stage before transitioning to film and television. Bennett appeared in numerous TV shows and films including "The Avengers," "Doctor Who," and "The Fifth Element." He was also a well-respected voice actor, lending his voice to numerous radio programs and animated series, including Disney's "The Lion King" and "Hercules." Throughout his career, Bennett collaborated with many prominent directors and actors, establishing himself as a versatile and talented performer.
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Jonathan Adams
Jonathan Adams (February 14, 1931 Northampton-June 13, 2005 London) otherwise known as John Adams was a British actor.
He trained at RADA and began his acting career in the 1950s, appearing in several West End productions. Adams also had an extensive career on television, appearing in popular shows such as Doctor Who, Z Cars, and The Avengers. He was often cast in supporting roles, but he also played significant characters such as the villainous "Omega" in Doctor Who. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Adams was also a prolific voice actor and lent his voice to many radio plays, audiobooks, and animated television shows. He was known for his deep, distinctive voice and for bringing a sense of gravitas to his performances.
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James Booth
James Booth (December 19, 1927 Croydon-August 11, 2005 Hadleigh) a.k.a. David Geeves-Booth, David Geeves, David Grieves, David Greeves or David Greever was a British actor and screenwriter.
Booth trained at RADA before making his stage debut in 1949. He appeared in numerous West End productions throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "The Beaux' Stratagem," "The Country Wife," and "Caught Our Dancing."
Booth also had a successful career in film, appearing in "Zulu," "Prudence and the Pill," and "The Italian Job," among others. He was also a prolific screenwriter, penning scripts for films such as "Prudence and the Pill" and "Robbery."
In addition to his work in theater and film, Booth was also a published author. He wrote several novels, including "Among the Hoods" and "A Show of Violence."
Booth passed away in 2005 at the age of 77.
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Clifford Williams
Clifford Williams (December 30, 1926 Cardiff-August 20, 2005 London) was a British theatre director, actor, ballet dancer, playwright and writer. His children are called Anouk Williams and Tara Williams.
Williams began his career in ballet as a dancer with the Sadler's Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet) and later with the Ballet Rambert. He then transitioned to acting in the 1950s and worked extensively on stage, television, and film throughout his career.
As a director, Williams was known for his innovative and unconventional productions, often bringing new life to classic works. He was a frequent collaborator with playwright Edward Bond, directing several of his plays including "Saved" and "The Sea."
Williams also wrote his own plays, including "Close the Coalhouse Door" which was inspired by his experiences growing up in a mining town in Wales.
In addition to his artistic work, Williams was also an advocate for social justice and was involved in political activism throughout his life.
He was married twice, first to actress Sheila Allen and later to actress Dilys Hamlett.
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Terence Morgan
Terence Morgan (December 8, 1921 Lewisham-August 25, 2005 Brighton) a.k.a. Terence Ivor Morgan, Terence Ivor Grant Morgan or T. Morgan was a British actor.
Born in Lewisham, London in 1921, Terence Morgan began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to become one of England's most popular leading men in the 1950s and 60s. He began appearing in films in the late 1940s, but it was his role in the 1954 film "The Quatermass Xperiment" that made him a star. He went on to star in a number of other films throughout the 1950s and 60s, including "Tread Softly Stranger" (1958), "The Battle of the Sexes" (1959), and "The System" (1964). He was also well-known for his work on stage and television, appearing in a number of productions throughout his career.
Morgan was married twice and had seven children. He was also known for his love of sailing and owned several boats throughout his life. In his later years, he continued to be active in the entertainment industry, working on a number of television and film projects. He passed away on August 25, 2005 in Brighton, England at the age of 83.
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Geoffrey Keen
Geoffrey Keen (August 21, 1916 Wallingford, Oxfordshire-November 3, 2005 Northwood, London) also known as Geoffrey Ian Keen or Geoffrey Keene was a British actor. His children are called Mary Keen and Jemma Hyde.
Keen had a prolific acting career spanning over five decades. He appeared in over 130 films and television shows, primarily in supporting roles. Some of his notable film credits include "The Third Man" (1949), "The Battle of the River Plate" (1956), and several James Bond films, including "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) and "Moonraker" (1979) where he played the character Sir Frederick Gray. On television, he appeared in shows such as "The Saint" and "The Avengers". Keen also had a successful stage career, performing in productions in London's West End and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In addition to his acting, Keen was also an accomplished painter and author, publishing a book of poetry and a memoir.
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Basil Hoskins
Basil Hoskins (June 10, 1929 Edmonton, London-January 17, 2005 London) a.k.a. Basil William Hoskins was a British actor.
With a career spanning over four decades, Hoskins appeared in a wide range of films, television shows and plays. He began his acting career on stage in the 1950s, before transitioning to film and television in the 1960s. Some of his notable film roles include "The Hunger" (1983), "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" (1987) and "Hook" (1991).
Hoskins was also a prolific television actor, appearing in numerous popular British shows such as "The Forsyte Saga" (1967), "The Sweeney" (1975-1978) and "Minder" (1979-1985). He was known for his versatility on screen, able to bring depth and complexity to a variety of characters.
In addition to acting, Hoskins was also a gifted artist, with his paintings exhibited in galleries around the world. He was a lifelong supporter of Arsenal Football Club and served as the chairman of the club's supporters' association.
Hoskins remained active in his acting career until his death in 2005 at the age of 75. He was remembered as a talented actor and artist, with a warm and generous personality loved by those who knew him.
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Hamilton Camp
Hamilton Camp (October 30, 1934 London-October 2, 2005 Los Angeles) also known as Hamid Hamilton Camp, Robin Camp, Hamid Camp, Bob Camp or Robin Kamp was a British singer, actor, songwriter, voice actor, composer and musician. He had one child, Hamilton Camp Jr..
Hamilton Camp began his career doing voice-over work for animated series and commercials such as "The Smurfs" and "Garfield and Friends". He also appeared in several TV shows including "Columbo" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine". As a musician, Camp was part of the Greenwich Village folk music scene in the 1960s and released several albums throughout his career. He collaborated with a number of musicians including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen. One of his most recognizable songs is "Pride of Man" which was covered by several artists including Quicksilver Messenger Service. Camp was also an active member of the folk group The Skymonters and a founding member of the comedy group The Firesign Theatre.
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Bryan Coleman
Bryan Coleman (January 29, 1911 London-July 4, 2005 Dorset) also known as Bryan Ernest D. B. Coleman or Brian Coleman was a British actor.
He appeared on both stage and screen throughout his career, starting with his London stage debut in 1929. Coleman went on to act in over 70 films, including "The Saint in London" (1939), "The Haunted Mirror" (1947), and "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957). On stage, he performed in numerous productions, including "Rope" (1929), "The Drunkard" (1933), and "Gaslight" (1941). Coleman also served in World War II as a naval officer, and afterwards returned to acting.
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Brook Williams
Brook Williams (January 22, 1938 Chelsea-April 29, 2005 London) also known as Brook Richard Williams was a British actor.
He was best known for his extensive work in the theatre, having performed in numerous productions in London's West End and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Williams also appeared in several popular film and television productions throughout his career, including the films "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "The Fifth Element", as well as the television series "Doctor Who" and "Casualty". He was regarded as a versatile actor and was noted for his ability to bring distinctive characterizations to his roles. Outside of his acting work, Williams also had a passion for photography and was known for his striking black and white portraits.
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Alex McAvoy
Alex McAvoy (March 10, 1928 Glasgow-June 16, 2005 London) was a British actor.
He initially worked as a radio announcer and editor but later ventured into acting. McAvoy made his screen debut in 1957 and went on to appear in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career. He was best known for his roles in films such as "The Hill", "The Great Train Robbery", and "The Wind and the Lion". McAvoy was also a stage actor and appeared in productions of "A View from the Bridge" and "The Crucible". Alongside his acting career, he was also a voiceover artist for radio and TV commercials. In addition, he was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for his work in the play "The Caretaker". McAvoy passed away in 2005 at the age of 77.
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Harry Baird
Harry Baird (May 12, 1931 Georgetown-February 13, 2005 London) was a British actor.
Baird was born in British Guiana (now Guyana) and moved to the UK in the early 1950s to pursue a career in acting. He broke down racial barriers in British film and television with his roles in popular productions such as "The League of Gentlemen" and "The Italian Job". Baird also had success in stage productions, including the West End production of "A Man Like a Tree". In addition to his acting career, he was also a talented jazz musician, playing saxophone in various clubs around London. Later in life, Baird was a strong advocate for racial equality and worked extensively with charities supporting black actors and filmmakers.
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David Kossoff
David Kossoff (November 24, 1919 Hackney Central-March 23, 2005 Hatfield, Hertfordshire) was a British actor and screenwriter. His children are called Simon Kossoff and Paul Kossoff.
Kossoff began his acting career in the late 1940s and appeared in numerous British films and television series throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. One of his most notable roles was as the narrator of the popular children's television show "The Tales of the Riverbank" in the 1960s.
In addition to acting, Kossoff also wrote for television and the theater. He wrote several plays, including "The Mouse That Roared," which was adapted into a film starring Peter Sellers. He also wrote for television series such as "The Avengers" and "The Saint."
Kossoff was known for his strong Jewish identity and often spoke about his experiences growing up in a Jewish family in London. He wrote a book about his Jewish heritage called "The Book of Witnesses," which explores the lives of Jewish people throughout history.
Towards the end of his life, Kossoff suffered from Alzheimer's disease and he passed away in 2005 at the age of 85. His legacy as an actor, writer, and advocate for Jewish culture lives on.
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Alf Joint
Alf Joint (September 22, 1927 Hertfordshire-July 25, 2005 Hertfordshire) also known as Alfred Charles R. Joint or Alfred Joint was a British stunt performer, stunt coordinator and actor.
Throughout his career, Alf Joint worked on over 100 films including classic movies such as "Lawrence of Arabia", "Goldfinger" and "The Magnificent Seven". He started his career as a stunt double for Michael Crawford in the 1951 film "Flame and The Flesh". Over the years, he became one of the most popular and sought-after stuntmen in the British film industry. He also transitioned into acting in films such as "Zulu" and "The Dirty Dozen", showcasing his versatility as a performer. Alf Joint continued working as a stunt coordinator and performer until his retirement in 1992. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the British Stuntman's Association in 1993 for his contribution to the industry.
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Lord Alfred Hayes
Lord Alfred Hayes (August 8, 1928 London-July 21, 2005 Dallas) a.k.a. Alfred G. Hayes, 'Judo' Al Hays, Judo, His Lordship, Lord Alfred Hayes, The White Angel or Alfred George James Hayes was a British actor, wrestler and commentator.
Born in London, Hayes began his career in the entertainment industry as a professional wrestler in the 1950s. He gained popularity in the UK and made a name for himself in the wrestling community as 'Judo' Al Hayes. In the 1960s, Hayes moved to the United States and began working for the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE).
Hayes' charismatic personality and distinctive British accent made him a natural commentator and interviewer. He became a regular on WWE programming, hosting various shows and providing color commentary for matches. His catchphrase "Absolutely, my lord!" became a beloved trademark among fans.
In addition to his work in wrestling, Hayes also appeared in several films and television shows, including an episode of the hit show "Seinfeld". He retired from wrestling in the mid-1990s, but remained involved in the industry as an occasional commentator and backstage interviewer.
Hayes passed away in 2005 at the age of 76 in Dallas, Texas. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 as a recipient of the Warrior Award, which honors individuals who have contributed to the wrestling community outside of the ring.
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David Jackson
David Jackson (July 15, 1934 Liverpool-July 25, 2005 London) was a British actor and voice actor. His child is called Stuart Jackson.
David Jackson was best known for his roles in British television dramas such as "Dixon of Dock Green," "Z Cars," and "Doctor Who." He was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous cartoons and video games, including "Thunderbirds," "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and "Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars." Outside of his acting career, Jackson was a keen photographer and had his work featured in exhibitions in London. He passed away in London on July 25th, 2005 at the age of 71.
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Cyril Fletcher
Cyril Fletcher (June 25, 1913 Watford-January 2, 2005 Saint Peter Port) also known as Cyril Trevellian Fletcher was a British comedian, actor, radio personality, businessperson and author. He had one child, Jill Fletcher.
Born in Watford, Hertfordshire, Cyril Fletcher started his career as a schoolteacher before becoming a professional entertainer in the mid-1930s. He starred in various comedy shows during his career, including the long-running BBC Radio panel game "Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh" and the television series "The Black and White Minstrel Show".
In addition to his work in show business, Fletcher was also a successful businessman and author. He wrote several books, including a memoir titled "I Must Collect Myself" and a collection of humorous essays titled "The Art of Coarse Entertaining".
Fletcher was also a philanthropist, and he helped establish a hospital in Guernsey, which he considered his second home. He was awarded an MBE in recognition of his charitable work.
He passed away on January 2, 2005, at the age of 91 in Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, where he had lived for over 20 years.
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Sacha Grunpeter
Sacha Grunpeter (November 27, 1972 United Kingdom-July 6, 2005 Los Angeles) also known as Tom Redhill was a British actor.
He is best known for his role as Tom Redhill in the hit television series "Hollyoaks", which he played for two years. Grunpeter began his acting career on the stage and appeared in numerous theater productions before transitioning to television and film.
In addition to his acting career, Grunpeter was also a successful entrepreneur and founded his own jewelry company, which he ran alongside his acting work.
Tragically, Grunpeter passed away in 2005 at the age of 32 due to complications from surgery. His death was a shock to his fans and the entertainment industry, and many remember him as a talented actor and promising businessman who left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
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Richard Whiteley
Richard Whiteley (December 28, 1943 Bradford-June 26, 2005 Leeds) a.k.a. John Richard Whiteley, Mayor Richard Whiteley, "Twice-Nightly" Whiteley or Richard Whiteley OBE was a British presenter, journalist, actor and broadcaster. His child is called James Whiteley.
Whiteley is best known for co-hosting the daytime game show "Countdown" from its inception in 1982 until his death in 2005. He was also a regular contributor to "Calendar", a regional news program for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in the UK. Whiteley began his career as a journalist for various newspapers before transitioning into broadcasting in the 1970s. In addition to his work in television, he also had a small acting career, appearing in several films and television programs. Whiteley was known for his affable personality and quick wit, and was a beloved figure in British television. He was posthumously awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2006 for his contributions to broadcasting.
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Don McKillop
Don McKillop (November 14, 1929 Carlisle, Cumbria-December 19, 2005 United Kingdom) also known as Donald McKillop or Don McKillup was a British actor.
He trained at RADA and began his career in the 1950s, appearing in numerous productions in London's West End theatre district. McKillop also had a successful career in television, appearing in shows such as "Doctor Who" and "The Onedin Line". He is perhaps best known for his role as Chief O'Hara in the 1960s "Batman" television series. In addition to his acting work, McKillop was also an accomplished voice artist, providing the voice of the villainous Zoltar in the English language version of the anime series "Gatchaman". He continued to work in the entertainment industry until his death in 2005 at the age of 76.
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Nick Darke
Nick Darke (August 29, 1948 Bodmin-June 10, 2005 England) a.k.a. Nicholas Temperley Watson Darke or Nick Darke & family was a British writer, actor, screenwriter, film director, playwright and film producer. He had one child, Henry Darke.
Nick Darke is best known for his plays, which were performed in the UK and internationally. His playwriting career began in the 1980s with plays like "The Dead Monkey" and "Ting Tang Mine." In 1991, he won the prestigious Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright.
Darke also ventured into film and television, working as a screenwriter, director, and producer. He wrote the screenplay for the 1996 film "Virtual Sexuality" and the 1999 film "Summer." He also co-wrote and produced the television series "The Demon Headmaster" in the 1990s.
Outside of his creative work, Darke was an environmental activist and campaigned against the development of a proposed quarry in Cornwall. He co-wrote the book "The Wrecking Coast" in 1988, which documents his experience surfing in Cornwall and the environmental threats facing the coastline.
Sadly, Nick Darke passed away in 2005 at the age of 56 after a battle with cancer. However, his legacy lives on through his influential body of work and his impact on the theatre and film industries in the UK.
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