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The Tudors actor Simon Ward dies after long illness | The Tudors actor Simon Ward dies after long illness |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The British screen and stage actor Simon Ward has died after a long illness, his agent has confirmed. | The British screen and stage actor Simon Ward has died after a long illness, his agent has confirmed. |
Ward, who was 70, appeared in several films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including The Three Musketeers. | |
He also starred as Bishop Gardiner in The Tudors and as Sir Monty in the popular BBC television series Judge John Deed. | He also starred as Bishop Gardiner in The Tudors and as Sir Monty in the popular BBC television series Judge John Deed. |
A statement released by his agent said he passed away peacefully with his wife Alexandra and daughters at his bedside. | A statement released by his agent said he passed away peacefully with his wife Alexandra and daughters at his bedside. |
The son of a car salesman from Beckenham in Kent, Ward joined the National Youth Theatre at the age of 13 where he remained for eight years. | The son of a car salesman from Beckenham in Kent, Ward joined the National Youth Theatre at the age of 13 where he remained for eight years. |
After attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he worked in repertory in Northampton, Birmingham and Oxford, and occasionally in London's West End. | After attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he worked in repertory in Northampton, Birmingham and Oxford, and occasionally in London's West End. |
Early career | Early career |
Ward's break into the theatre came in 1967 when he played the lead in Joe Orton's play, Loot, which lead to television and film roles. | |
In 1972, he gained national acclaim for his portrayal of Churchill in Richard Attenborough's epic film Young Winston, which featured a distinguished cast including Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft. | In 1972, he gained national acclaim for his portrayal of Churchill in Richard Attenborough's epic film Young Winston, which featured a distinguished cast including Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft. |
The following year, he played the Duke of Buckingham in The Three Musketeers. | The following year, he played the Duke of Buckingham in The Three Musketeers. |
In 1974, Ward was cast as the author and veterinarian, James Herriot, in the original film adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small. | In 1974, Ward was cast as the author and veterinarian, James Herriot, in the original film adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small. |
All Creatures Great and Small later became a successful BBC television series with actor Christopher Timothy taking the lead role played by Ward in the film adaptation. | All Creatures Great and Small later became a successful BBC television series with actor Christopher Timothy taking the lead role played by Ward in the film adaptation. |
In more recent years Ward returned to theatre, touring the country with plays such as Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III and Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. | In more recent years Ward returned to theatre, touring the country with plays such as Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III and Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. |
Actress Susan Penhaligon, who starred alongside Ward in The Madness of King George III, said he had been a "loyal and sympathetic friend". | |
"He was a witty, frighteningly clever and handsome, complex man who I worked with a lot," she said. | |
Ward had triumphed in the play, she said, adding: "He showed such courage because I think he was ill then; he was a very courageous man." | |
In 1987 he suffered a serious head injury in a street attack that was never solved. | |
Ward's daughter is the actress, Sophie Ward; his youngest daughter, Kitty, is married to the comedian, Michael McIntyre. | Ward's daughter is the actress, Sophie Ward; his youngest daughter, Kitty, is married to the comedian, Michael McIntyre. |
What are your memories of Simon Ward? Did you meet him or work with him? What were his best film roles? Send us your comments using the form below. | What are your memories of Simon Ward? Did you meet him or work with him? What were his best film roles? Send us your comments using the form below. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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