British actor John Woodvine who starred in An American Werewolf In London, The Crown and Z Cars has died aged 96, his agent has said.
Woodvine was best known for starring in the 1981 horror comedy An American Werewolf In London, as well as for his role as Detective Inspector Witty in the 1960s BBC police drama Z Cars.
A statement from his agent Phil Belfield said Woodvine died ‘peacefully’ at his home on Monday morning.
The statement continued: ‘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.
‘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.’
Woodvine is survived by his wife, actress Lynn Farleigh, and his children Mary and Emma.
In a statement on X, talent agency Belfield & Ward Ltd, who represented Woodvine, said: ‘We are sad to announce the passing of our client, the actor John Woodvine, who died peacefully at home at the age of 96 this morning.
British actor John Woodvine who starred in An American Werewolf In London, The Crown and Z Cars has died aged 96
Woodvine was best known for starring in the 1981 horror comedy An American Werewolf In London
A statement from his agent Phil Belfield said Woodvine died ‘peacefully’ at his home on Monday morning (Pictured: Woodvine in An American Werewolf In London)
Woodvine is survived by his wife, actress Lynn Farleigh (pictured), and his children Mary and Emma
‘A wonderful and well loved actor, who will be much missed.’
Born on July 21, 1929, Woodvine had a long career with the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed as Banquo in Macbeth, alongside Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench.
He won the Olivier Award for Comedy Performance of the Year in 1987 for his role in The Henrys at the Old Vic.
Woodvine appeared in Oliver’s Travels, Doctor Who, as Marshal of Atrios, and starred alongside Joe Don Baker and Bob Peck in the mystery drama Edge Of Darkness.
He went on to appear as a supporting character in 2006’s Miss Potter, alongside Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, and as Frank Gallagher’s father Neville in Channel 4 comedy drama Shameless.
He also appeared in an episode of Dr Who as the Marshal of Atrios in an episode called The Armageddon Factor which was released in 1979.
After playing a lorry driver in Coronation Street in 1965, Woodvine returned to the ITV series in 2010 to briefly play Charlotte Hoyle’s father Alan before the role was recast with Michael McStay.
