One of England's most accomplished actors, Edward Woodward, has died at the age of 79 as a result of complications from multiple illnesses. After making his name touring theatres in Shakespeare productions, he endeared himself to television viewers with his work in programmes like The Equalizer, La Femme Nikita and Eastenders, but it is for his outstanding performance as the principled policeman hero of The Wicker Man that he will be most fondly remembered.
Throughout his career, Edward Woodward moved effortlessly between the theatre and the big and small screens, enjoying the diversity of work available to him and winning many friends with his strong sense of humour. He was also an impressive singer, releasing no fewer than 12 albums of songs, and he recorded several audio books. His film work included a notable performance in Who Dares Wins, an acclaimed turn as the real life Breaker Morant, and, most recently, a small but pivotal role in Hot Fuzz, which referenced the iconic Wicker Man. He was also the star of a not very sophisticated yet enduringly popular joke (Why does Edward Woodward have so many D's in his name? Because otherwise he would be Ewar Woowar), which doubtless contributed to the great affection in which he was held by his audiences.
Edward Woodward had been ill for some years, needing triple bypass surgery in 1996 and developing prostate cancer in 2003. Nevertheless, he continued to work right up to the end. His agent Janet Glass said that he was just as brave and spirited in real life as in his several heroic film roles, and that: "His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives." He is survived by his wife Michelle, his children Tim, Peter, Sarah and Emily, and several grandchildren.
