DAVID Daker, best known for playing Henry Crawford in the beloved ITV comedy-drama Boon, has died aged 90.
The Coronation Street actor’s family released the tragic news but have not given a cause of death.
David starred as the best friend of Ken Boon, played by Michael Elphick, from 1986 to 1992 while also appearing in several sitcoms from Only Fools and Horses to Porridge.
Boon brought in an audience of 15 million over its seven seasons.
While he was best known for playing the entrepreneurial Henry, David’s career in television began as PC Owen Culshaw in more than 80 episodes in the BBC drama Z Cars.
The Wolverhampton actor also appeared in Coronation Street and Doctor Who.
David started acting in infant school and made his first appearance as a cow.
Aged 13 he took to the stage again as Long John Silver in a production of Treasure Island.
His parents pushed him into a career as a draughtsman which he left after two years.
Within weeks he had signed up to the Oxford Playhouse Theatre School.
After a stint of national service in the RAF he became a stage manager, actor and director for Oldham Rep in 1957.
His stage career took off and he performed with The Royal Shakespeare company in 1976.
Meanwhile, he also took on many TV parts, appearing in Only Fools and Horses as Tommy Mackay, the violent husband of a woman dating Rodney.
In 1977, David starred in an episode of Porridge where he got into a brawl with Godber.
From 1968 to 1969 he made his first appearance on Coronation Street as Basil Griffin.
A decade later he returned and from 1981 to 1985 he played Gordon Lewis, the relief manager at the Rovers Return.
Throughout the 70s he appeared on Doctor Who as a robber baron in The Time Warrior and later a spacecraft commanding officer.
Using his RSC experience he played several classical roles in BBC adaptations of Shakespeare, King Henry VI and Richard III.
He married Stella Newton in 1957 but the pair later split. They had a son, Tim, and a daughter, Pippa, who later died from multiple sclerosis.
David is survived by Tim, his second wife Hilary, their daughter Rebecca and his sister Hazel.
The star passed away on April 30 but his family have only just released the news.
Fan page Only Fools and Legends paid tribute to the actor, writing: “His chemistry with Michael Elphick in Boon created one of TV’s most memorable friendships, entertaining millions throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s.
“Whether playing tough guys, comic characters or dependable mates, David Daker’s talent and versatility left a lasting mark on British television and theatre.
“A true character actor in every sense of the word, he’ll be fondly remembered by generations of viewers.”
One comment read: “Loved him in Boon, loved them all in that TV series. Great actor.
“That programme lifted my spirits. Was fun seeing him up the dark wet alley in OFAH too. He be so missed on TV.”
Another added: “Aww, I loved him. He always seemed to play such a strong but quite loveable character too.
“The joke with Fletch in Porridge is one of the greatest ever comedy moments in my opinion. Rest easy Sir.”
A third said: “One of our great character actors. What a fabulous career.”
