Vale: Donald Sinden
British actor Sir Donald Sinden, best known for Never the Twain and Judge John Deed, has died.
- Published by David Knox
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British theatre, film and TV actor Sir Donald Sinden, best known for the sitcom Never the Twain and Judge John Deed, has died.
He died at his home aged 90 following a long illness with prostate cancer.
Sinden made his name on stage as a Shakespearean actor, mostly with the RSC, and appeared in more than 70 film and TV productions.
He made his film debut in 1953 with The Cruel Sea and went on to make about 30 films.
His other TV credits include The Canterville Ghost, The Treasure Seekers, All’s Well That End’s Well, The Prisoner, Doctor In The House, Doctor at Large as well as a running spoof in satirical puppet show Spitting Image.
Sinden was also the last person living to have known Oscar Wilde’s lover Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie) and was one of only two people to attend his funeral.
He was awarded a CBE in 1979 and was granted a knighthood in 1997 for his services to drama.
Judge John Deed‘s Martin Shaw, said, “I was sharing reminiscences of Donald only last night on the film set where I’m working. He’s one of those people you just talk about with laughter and affection, and we all have our Donald impersonation to accompany our stories of him.
“He was a walking life force and it was impossible to be with him for more than a few minutes without roaring with laughter.”
Source: BBC, Daily Mail