Tributes paid to Edward Woodward

By [mjbrown] ryan hooper

TRIBUTES from the world of entertainment have been paid to veteran actor Edward Woodward, 79, who died yesterday.

The actor, who spent much of his time at his family home in Cornwall, is best known for roles in the Wicker Man, the Equalizer, Callan and EastEnders.

He had spent the last few months of his life in hospitals in Truro and Bodmin after breaking his hip during a fall at his home in Padstow in June.

His last small screen appearance was as Tommy Clifford in BBC soap EastEnders in March. However, he then went on to star as the Rev Frederick Densham in the small-budget film A Congregation of Ghosts, based on the unusual stories of life at his Warleggan rectory during the early 20th Century.

Cornish-based casting agent Chris Batters, a friend of the veteran actor, described Mr Woodward as "a lovely and genuine guy". Mr Batters said: "He was a very strong character and a great guy to be around. His sense of humour was fantastic, and to act opposite him was an absolute privilege."

A Congregation of Ghosts turned out to be Mr Woodward's last project, though Mr Batters said the actor had always planned to retire after the film was complete.

Mr Batters added: "He said it was to be his last work. He was not in good health and it was beginning to show. But he didn't moan once during filming.

"I spoke to him in hospital a few weeks ago and it was obvious he was not well. He had a lot of ailments – heart problems and diabetes. But we will remember him with great fondness."

Twice married, Mr Woodward had three children by his first wife, actress Venetia Barrett, whom he married in 1952, and a daughter Emily by his second wife, actress Michele Dotrice.

The TV star's agent Janet Glass said the actor had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia, and died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske.

Ms Glass released a statement praising his "brave spirit and wonderful humour". It said: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, the Wicker Man, Callan, the Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour.

"He was further sustained by the love of his wife, Michele, children Tim, Peter, Sarah and Emily, his grandchildren and numerous friends. His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives."

EastEnders star Barbara Windsor said she was "deeply saddened" at the news. She added: "I have such fond memories of our time working together."

Robin Hardy, who directed the Wicker Man, said: "He was one of the greatest actors of his generation, without question."

Mr Woodward rose to fame in the 1960s and early-1970s in the television spy series Callan and cult film the Wicker Man.

In the 1980s, he gained international attention in the hit US TV series the Equalizer, playing a former spy turned gun-for-hire.

Mr Woodward, who had previously lived in Calstock, Cornwall, before moving to Padstow, recently joined EastEnders for a short stint as Tommy Clifford.

His last project had its Cornish premiere at the end of the summer and could yet be screened in London and around the world.