At the age of 96, veteran British actor John Woodvine, whose commanding presence and versatility made him a mainstay across stage and screen for more than 60 years, passed away.
He is most known for his parts in The Crown and An American Werewolf in London, but his career also included cult films and Shakespearean classics.
His agent, Phil Belfield, confirmed the news in a statement, though the location of his passing was not disclosed. “John was an extraordinary actor and had a fabulous and varied career in all areas of the industry, including work on stage in over 70 productions including at the Old Vic, National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, and on screen in numerous roles including in Young Winston, An American Werewolf In London, Dragonworld, Persuasion, The Crown and most recently in the film Enys Men.”
He added, “John was greatly admired by all and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who met, knew and worked with him. We are all the richer to have known him.”
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Born on 21 July 1929 in South Shields, County Durham, Woodvine’s love for the stage began early. After graduating from RADA in 1953, he joined the Old Vic a year later, where he brought to life some of Shakespeare’s most enduring characters — Macbeth, Othello, Romeo, and Falstaff among them.
His performance as Sir John Falstaff in The Henrys at the Old Vic won him the Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance in 1987.
In addition, he established himself on Broadway with shows like Nicholas Nickleby and Troilus and Cressida. He was also well-known on British television with shows like Doctor Who, Z Cars, and New Scotland Yard.
He demonstrated his command of the screen even in his later years in 2016 when he played the Archbishop of York in The Crown.
Woodvine’s film credits included The Devils, Miss Potter, and the cult classic An American Werewolf in London, where he played the kind-hearted Dr Hirsch.
John is survived by his wife, actress Lynn Farleigh, and their daughters, Mary and Emma.
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