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Avengers star Patrick Macnee dies Avengers star Patrick Macnee dies
(35 minutes later)
Actor Patrick Macnee, star of The Avengers TV series, has died in California at the age of 93.Actor Patrick Macnee, star of The Avengers TV series, has died in California at the age of 93.
The Briton, best known for playing John Steed in the 1960s television series, died at home with his family at his bedside, his son Rupert said. The Briton, best known for playing John Steed in the 1960s television spy series, died at home with his family at his bedside, his son Rupert said.
Macnee also played roles in theatre, appearing on Broadway, and served in the Royal Navy during World War Two.Macnee also played roles in theatre, appearing on Broadway, and served in the Royal Navy during World War Two.
A statement on the actor's website read: "Wherever he went, he left behind a trove of memories."A statement on the actor's website read: "Wherever he went, he left behind a trove of memories."
"Patrick Macnee was a popular figure in the television industry", the statement said. "He was at home wherever in the world he found himself. He had a knack for making friends, and keeping them."
He died peacefully at his home in California's Rancho Mirage on Thursday, Rupert said.He died peacefully at his home in California's Rancho Mirage on Thursday, Rupert said.
James Bond allyJames Bond ally
Born in London and educated at Eton, Macnee first appeared in the West End while still in his teens. Born in London, Macnee grew up in Berkshire and was educated at Summerfields Preparatory School and Eton.
At the age of the 11, he acted in Henry V opposite a young Sir Christopher Lee. He first appeared in the West End while still in his teens.
He played a number of minor roles - including one in Laurence Olivier's 1948 film version of Hamlet - before rising to fame in the original Avengers series between 1961 and 1969.He played a number of minor roles - including one in Laurence Olivier's 1948 film version of Hamlet - before rising to fame in the original Avengers series between 1961 and 1969.
He returned when that series was reprised as The New Avengers in the 1970s, appearing alongside Joanna Lumley's Purdey and Gareth Hunt's Mike Gambit. The series developed a cult following around the world, the BBC's Los Angeles reporter Peter Bowes said.
He also appeared in the 1985 James Bond film A View to Kill, playing an ally of Roger Moore's Bond character. Steed was known for his dress sense, always donning a bowler hat and carrying an umbrella, which doubled as a secret weapon.
Macnee returned when that series was reprised as The New Avengers in the 1970s, appearing alongside Joanna Lumley's Purdey and Gareth Hunt's Mike Gambit.
Later, he starred on Broadway in Anthony Shaffer's Sleuth, touring internationally with that play and several other productions
He also appeared in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill, playing an ally of Roger Moore's Bond character, and made a cameo appearance as the head of a record company in This is Spinal Tap.
He featured too as a guest star in dozens of British, American and Australian TV productions.
'Ahead of their time''Ahead of their time'
In a 2014 interview with The Lady magazine, Macnee said he believed The Avengers was a success because it "did something different and did it better."In a 2014 interview with The Lady magazine, Macnee said he believed The Avengers was a success because it "did something different and did it better."
He told the magazine: "It was beautifully written, the ideas were very good, way ahead of their time and they incorporated fantasies for people who dreamed of doing exciting things."He told the magazine: "It was beautifully written, the ideas were very good, way ahead of their time and they incorporated fantasies for people who dreamed of doing exciting things."
Macnee had two children, Rupert and daughter Kate Woodville, and one grandson. Macnee had two children, son Rupert and daughter Kate Woodville, and one grandson.
He was married three times, including to actress Katherine Woodville, with whom he acted in The Avengers.
He had been a US citizen since 1959, according to the AP news agency.He had been a US citizen since 1959, according to the AP news agency.