English movie stars died in 2008
Here are 16 famous actors from England died in 2008:
Tony Church
Tony Church (May 11, 1930 London-March 25, 2008 Oxford) also known as James Anthony Church, James Anthony "Tony" Church or James Anthony was an English actor and teacher.
Church began his career in acting in the 1960s and became a prominent figure in the British theatre scene, particularly with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he performed in many productions including "Troilus and Cressida" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." In addition to acting, Church was also a respected teacher of voice and speech, and taught at institutions such as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He was known for his unique approach to teaching, which emphasized the use of breathing and vocal exercises to enhance the actor's performance. Church also authored several books on acting and voice, including "Actor and the Target" and "Breath in Action." He passed away in 2008 at the age of 77.
Read more about Tony Church on Wikipedia »
Edward Wilson
Edward Wilson (July 13, 1947 South Shields-February 2, 2008 Los Angeles) also known as Edward William Wilson, Ed Wilson or Edward "Ed" Wilson was an English actor.
Wilson started his acting career during the 1960s and appeared in a number of British television shows such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". He also had recurring roles in popular soap operas "Coronation Street" and "Emmerdale". Wilson gained international recognition for his role as Baron Felonious in the 1980 sci-fi cult classic "Flash Gordon". He went on to appear in other films like "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "Gandhi". In addition to his acting career, Wilson was a talented musician and played the guitar and banjo. He also wrote several screenplays and stage plays. Wilson passed away in 2008 at the age of 60 from an undisclosed illness.
Read more about Edward Wilson on Wikipedia »
Robert Russell
Robert Russell (May 24, 1936 Kent-May 12, 2008 Maidenhead) also known as Bob Russell, Justice Robert Russell or Robert Jason A. Russell was an English actor.
He was best known for his roles in television dramas like "Coronation Street," "The Bill," and "Heartbeat." Russell began his acting career in the 1960s and also had a successful career on stage, performing in productions of plays like "Noël Coward's 'Tonight at 8.30'" and "The Sound of Music."
Russell was also a well-respected barrister and judge. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1985 and became a recorder in 1989. In 1993, he was appointed a circuit judge and later became a senior circuit judge. Russell was well-known for his involvement in high-profile court cases, including the extradition case of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.
In addition to his career in acting and law, Russell was also a prolific writer, penning several books on subjects ranging from law to his experiences in the entertainment world. He was awarded an Order of the British Empire in recognition of his contributions to both the arts and law.
Read more about Robert Russell on Wikipedia »
Jack Douglas
Jack Douglas (April 26, 1927 Newcastle upon Tyne-December 18, 2008 Isle of Wight) also known as Jack Roberton or Alf Ippititimus was an English actor.
He attended RADA and made his professional debut in 1949 in a stage production of "Hamlet". Jack Douglas is best known for his work in the "Carry On" film series, appearing in over 11 films. He also appeared in other films such as "The Italian Job" and "Confessions of a Window Cleaner". On television, he frequently appeared in comedy shows such as "The Benny Hill Show" and "Crossroads". In addition to his acting career, Jack Douglas was also a successful writer and author, publishing several books, including his autobiography "Just Like That!" in 2006.
Read more about Jack Douglas on Wikipedia »
John Axon
John Axon (September 10, 1960 Stockport-October 25, 2008 Stockport) was an English actor.
He was best known for his roles in British television dramas, including "Coronation Street" and "Emmerdale". Axon also had roles in several films, including "The Fourth Protocol" and "Buddy's Song". In addition to his acting career, Axon was a keen amateur boxer and held a record of 26 wins and 3 losses. He also had a passion for music and played in a band called "The Thomas Brothers". Axon sadly passed away at the age of 48 due to a heart attack.
Read more about John Axon on Wikipedia »
Brian Wilde
Brian Wilde (June 13, 1927 Ashton-under-Lyne-March 20, 2008 Ware, Hertfordshire) also known as Brian George Wilde was an English actor. His child is called Andrew Wilde.
Wilde was best known for his role as Mr. Barrowclough in the British television comedy series "Porridge" and as Foggy Dewhurst in the series "Last of the Summer Wine". He also appeared in numerous other films and TV shows throughout his career.
Wilde started acting in the 1940s and appeared in various stage productions before moving on to television and film. In addition to his acting work, he was also a scriptwriter and wrote for shows such as "The Army Game" and "Benny Hill".
Wilde was married twice, with both marriages ending in divorce. He passed away at the age of 80 due to a heart attack. Despite his passing, Wilde's work in film and TV continues to be well-regarded and enjoyed by audiences around the world.
Read more about Brian Wilde on Wikipedia »
Dave Atkins
Dave Atkins (October 11, 1940 Plymouth-April 23, 2008 Watford) also known as David Atkins or Dave Aktins was an English actor.
Atkins began his acting career in the early 1960s and starred in various British television dramas such as "Z Cars" and "The Bill". He was also a regular guest star on popular shows like "Coronation Street" and "Doctor Who". In 1983, Atkins played the role of Richard Hillman on "Brookside", a character that became notorious for his evil deeds.
As well as television, Atkins had a successful career in theatre, primarily in regional productions across England. He also appeared in a movie, "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover" (1989), directed by Peter Greenaway.
Atkins was married to the actress and presenter Pauline Yates and had two children. He passed away at the age of 67 due to cancer.
Read more about Dave Atkins on Wikipedia »
Terry Duggan
Terry Duggan (April 15, 1932 Hoxton-May 1, 2008 London) was an English actor and comedian. He had one child, Gloria Duggan Gill.
Terry Duggan was born in the Hoxton area of London in 1932. He began his career in entertainment in the 1950s as a stand-up comedian, performing in clubs and pubs throughout the UK. He soon made a name for himself with his quick wit and unique ability to improvise, which led to him being cast in a number of popular television shows and films.
Duggan's film credits include "I'm Alright Jack" (1959), "The Battle of the River Plate" (1956), and "The Lavender Hill Mob" (1951). He was also a regular on television shows like "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Dick Emery Show," where he showcased his talent for comedic character acting.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Duggan was a devoted family man. He had one child, Gloria Duggan Gill, who shared his passion for the arts and went on to become an accomplished theatre producer.
Terry Duggan passed away in London in 2008 at the age of 76. Despite his many achievements and contributions to British comedy, he remained humble and grateful for the opportunities he was given throughout his life.
Read more about Terry Duggan on Wikipedia »
Frith Banbury
Frith Banbury (May 4, 1912 Plymouth-May 14, 2008 London) a.k.a. Frederick Harold Frith Banbury was an English actor.
He made his professional debut in the play "Love in a Mist" in 1932 and soon became a well-known stage actor. Banbury's career spanned over seven decades, during which he acted in numerous plays and films, including "The Doctor's Dilemma" (1958) and "The L-Shaped Room" (1962). He was also a notable director, having directed plays such as "The Chalk Garden" (1955) and "The Relapse" (1967). Banbury was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and served as its director of productions from 1975 to 1986. In 1982, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to drama.
Read more about Frith Banbury on Wikipedia »
Rob Knox
Rob Knox (August 21, 1989 Kent-May 24, 2008 Sidcup) also known as Robert Knox or Robert Arthur Knox was an English actor.
He was best known for playing the role of Marcus Belby in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Knox was preparing to attend drama school when he was tragically stabbed to death at the age of 18 whilst protecting his younger brother from a group of attackers in a bar in Sidcup. After his death, his family established the Rob Knox Foundation, which aims to support young actors and fund drama classes in his memory. Knox's bravery was later recognized posthumously when he was awarded the George Medal, one of the highest awards for bravery in the UK.
Read more about Rob Knox on Wikipedia »
Barrie Gosney
Barrie Gosney (November 20, 1926 Guildford-January 24, 2008 London) otherwise known as Barrie Cosney or Barry Gosney was an English actor.
He began his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in numerous British television series and films throughout his career. Some of his most notable roles include appearances in "The Avengers," "The Saint," and "Doctor Who." Gosney was also a stage actor, appearing in productions both in the West End and on Broadway. In addition to his work as an actor, Gosney was also a talented scriptwriter, penning scripts for several television series in the 1960s and 70s. Later in his career, he also worked as a voice-over artist for various television and radio commercials. Gosney passed away in January 2008 at the age of 81.
Read more about Barrie Gosney on Wikipedia »
John Rowe
John Rowe (November 27, 2014 Ross-on-Wye-November 1, 2008) was an English actor and teacher.
He was born in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, England in 1924. Rowe served in the Royal Navy during World War II before attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He then went on to have a successful career in theater, film, and television, appearing in productions such as "Doctor Who," "The Avengers," and "The Duchess of Malfi." In addition to his acting work, Rowe was also a respected voice coach and mentor to younger actors. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 83.
Read more about John Rowe on Wikipedia »
Willoughby Goddard
Willoughby Goddard (July 4, 1926 Bicester-April 11, 2008 London) a.k.a. Willoughby Wittenham Rees Goddard was an English actor.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and his acting career spanned over five decades. Goddard appeared in various stage productions, television shows, and films.
He is best known for his role as the villainous Chairman in the British TV series "The Prisoner" and as Professor John Galloway in the film "The Sea Wolves." Goddard also had recurring roles in several other TV shows and appeared in various films such as "The Mouse on the Moon" and "Charlie Bubbles."
Aside from acting, Goddard was also a talented writer, and he penned numerous plays that were produced in both London and New York. He was also an accomplished painter and sculptor and exhibited his artwork in many galleries.
In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Goddard was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1980. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 81.
Read more about Willoughby Goddard on Wikipedia »
Geoffrey Perkins
Geoffrey Perkins (February 22, 1953 Bushey-August 29, 2008 Marylebone) a.k.a. Geoffrey Howard Perkins was an English screenwriter, television producer and actor.
Perkins was best known for his work on various British comedy shows such as the sketch show "Not the Nine O'Clock News", the sitcom "The Vicar of Dibley", and the radio series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". He began his career as a radio producer at the BBC and eventually became the Head of Radio Comedy. Perkins also acted in a few television shows such as the series "Father Ted". He was known for his tremendous wit and his ability to identify and nurture talented writers and comedians. Perkins passed away in 2008 at the age of 55 due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
Read more about Geoffrey Perkins on Wikipedia »
Jonathan Routh
Jonathan Routh (November 24, 1927 Gosport-June 4, 2008 Jamaica) also known as Jonathan Reginald Surdeval Routh was an English presenter and actor.
He was best known for his work on the British television show "Candid Camera" in the 1960s and 1970s, where he would play pranks on unsuspecting members of the public. Routh began his career as a radio announcer but quickly made the transition to television, where his charismatic personality and quick wit made him a popular host. He also worked as a journalist and wrote several books, including a biography of actor Peter Sellers. Routh was a lifelong adventurer and traveled extensively throughout his life, often documenting his experiences in his various writings. He spent his final years in Jamaica, where he passed away at the age of 80.
Read more about Jonathan Routh on Wikipedia »
Oliver Postgate
Oliver Postgate (April 12, 1925 Hendon-December 8, 2008 Broadstairs) a.k.a. Richard Oliver Postgate was an English writer, animator, puppeteer, screenwriter, television director, television producer, voice actor and actor. He had three children, Stephen Postgate, Simon Postgate and Daniel Postgate.
Oliver Postgate is best known for creating and co-creating several beloved British children's television shows, including "Ivor the Engine," "The Clangers," "Noggin the Nog," and "Bagpuss." He partnered with fellow creator Peter Firmin to bring these charming and innovative programs to audiences in the 1960s and 1970s, using stop-motion animation, puppetry, and storytelling to captivate young viewers. Postgate's commitment to creating children's entertainment that was both educational and entertaining earned him widespread acclaim and enduring popularity. In addition to his work in television, Postgate was also a published author and poet. He was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2004 for his contributions to children's television.
Read more about Oliver Postgate on Wikipedia »