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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 appeared in several films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including The Three Musketeers. 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 careerEarly career
His 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. 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.
In the late 1980s Ward was a victim of a street attack that was never solved and baffled the police. 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.
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