Vale: Joss Ackland

Veteran British actor Joss Ackland, best known for Shadowlands, Z-Cars, White Mischief, The Hunt for Red October, and Lethal Weapon 2, has died, aged 95.

He died peacefully, surrounded by family according to reports.

A family statement said: “With his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Ackland brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his role. He will be remembered as one of Britain’s most talented and beloved actors.”

He was also described as a “beloved father” and had been married to his wife Rosemary for 51 years before she died in 2002.

Ackland was a prolific stage and screen actor, appearing in more than 100 movies and TV series.

He appeared in films such as White Mischief, on TV playing CS Lewis in Shadowlands and in many stage productions including as Juan Perón in Evita.

He also appeared in K-19: The Widowmaker as well as the 1979 television adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy plus Z-Cars, Hogfather, First and Last, Midsomer Murders, plus The Mighty Ducks and Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey. In a 2001 interview he said he appeared in some “awful films” because he was a workaholic.

His final screen appearance came in 2014 when he played Rufus in Decline of an Empire,  also one of the last acting credits for Peter O’Toole.

He was awarded a CBE in 2000 for his services to acting.

Source: BBC, Guardian