UMVA has learned that a beloved British TV star, known for his iconic roles in Boon and Only Fools and Horses, has passed away at the age of 90.
The actor, who played the lovable character Harry Crawford in ITV's hit comedy-drama Boon, died on April 30, but his family chose to keep the news under wraps until Sunday. The cause of his death has not been revealed.
With a career spanning decades, the Wolverhampton-born actor began his journey as PC Owen Culshaw in over 80 episodes of the BBC's drama Z Cars. His breakout role came in 1986 when he took on the character of Harry in Boon, captivating an audience of 15 million over its seven seasons.
The talented actor also made notable appearances in several sitcoms, including Only Fools and Horses, Porridge, Coronation Street, and Doctor Who. His versatility on screen earned him a special place in the hearts of fans.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the actor's early life was marked by a passion for acting, which began in infant school. At just 13, he took on the iconic role of Long John Silver in a production of Treasure Island, showcasing his talent from a young age.
Despite his parents' wishes for him to pursue a career as a draughtsman, the actor followed his dreams and enrolled in the Oxford Playhouse Theatre School. He candidly shared, 'I simply came home one day and was finished with a nine-to-five job,' highlighting his determination to succeed in the acting world.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that news of his passing spread like wildfire across fan pages, particularly among devotees of Only Fools and Horses, where he played the role of Tommy Mackay in 1982. His legacy will live on through his remarkable body of work.
