Ray Jenkins, the British screenwriter behind shows including “The Woman in White” and “The Sweeney,” has died. He was 87.
Jenkins died on Jan. 16, his agent confirmed to Variety. No cause of death was given.
Jenkins was an accomplished dramatist who wrote for TV, radio and film. He was known especially for his work on British police and justice-related series throughout the 1960s and 80s, including “The Sweeney,” which starred John Thaw and Dennis Waterman, and “Juliet Bravo” in which Stephanie Turner played Inspector Jean Darblay.
Other shows Jenkins worked on included “Z Cars,” “The Brothers,” “This Man Craig,” “Callan,” “Special Branch” and “The Gentle Touch.”
He was also known for his 1980s adaptations of Wilkie Collins’ mystery novel “The Woman in White,” which aired on the BBC and starred Ian Richardson, Diana Quick and Jenny Seagrove, and Tom Hart’s novel “The Aura and The Kingfisher,” which was adapted as feature film “The Innocent,...
Jenkins died on Jan. 16, his agent confirmed to Variety. No cause of death was given.
Jenkins was an accomplished dramatist who wrote for TV, radio and film. He was known especially for his work on British police and justice-related series throughout the 1960s and 80s, including “The Sweeney,” which starred John Thaw and Dennis Waterman, and “Juliet Bravo” in which Stephanie Turner played Inspector Jean Darblay.
Other shows Jenkins worked on included “Z Cars,” “The Brothers,” “This Man Craig,” “Callan,” “Special Branch” and “The Gentle Touch.”
He was also known for his 1980s adaptations of Wilkie Collins’ mystery novel “The Woman in White,” which aired on the BBC and starred Ian Richardson, Diana Quick and Jenny Seagrove, and Tom Hart’s novel “The Aura and The Kingfisher,” which was adapted as feature film “The Innocent,...
- 2/27/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
After completing principal photography on One Less God, the producers of the psychological thriller inspired by the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai have launched a crowd-funding initiative. They aim is to raise $200,000 to cover post production, deliverables and publicity for the festival circuit by December 23.
The Indiegogo campaign kicked off on November 27 with rewards, a design competition, teaser and interviews with prominent commentators on issues explored in the film such as human rights, ideology, fundamentalism and compassion.
The experts include Dr. Munjed Al Muderis, Dr. Simon Longstaff, Dr. Anne Aly, Raimond Gaita, Kylie Sturgess and Dr. Sahar Amer. It.s the feature debut of writer-director Lliam Worthington, whose background is in music videos, corporate films and theatre.
The thriller centres around a group of international tourists trapped inside their hotel for 68 hours while two young Islamic terrorists, guided by a ruthless handler, sweep the hotel seeking to exterminate the guests. As days pass,...
The Indiegogo campaign kicked off on November 27 with rewards, a design competition, teaser and interviews with prominent commentators on issues explored in the film such as human rights, ideology, fundamentalism and compassion.
The experts include Dr. Munjed Al Muderis, Dr. Simon Longstaff, Dr. Anne Aly, Raimond Gaita, Kylie Sturgess and Dr. Sahar Amer. It.s the feature debut of writer-director Lliam Worthington, whose background is in music videos, corporate films and theatre.
The thriller centres around a group of international tourists trapped inside their hotel for 68 hours while two young Islamic terrorists, guided by a ruthless handler, sweep the hotel seeking to exterminate the guests. As days pass,...
- 11/30/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Before British cop drama Harrigan hits our cinema screens on September 20, we had the great pleasure of speaking to the lead role, Detective Harrigan himself, Stephen Tompkinson.
Harrigan – which is director Vince Woods debut feature film, is set in a bleak, 1970s North East, where a close-to-retirement cop Barry Harrigan returns to his hometown with a score to settle. Tompkinson, who has made a name for himself in films such as Brassed Off and TV shows such as In Deep, speaks of his own experience in Britain from the time this film is set, and what attracted him to the role – while he reflects on what has been a triumphant, and certainly expansive career.
So what first attracted you to the role of Harrigan?
Vincent Woods, the film’s director, came to see me the year before we started shooting. I was doing live theatre in Newcastle in a play by my friend Shaun Prendergast,...
Harrigan – which is director Vince Woods debut feature film, is set in a bleak, 1970s North East, where a close-to-retirement cop Barry Harrigan returns to his hometown with a score to settle. Tompkinson, who has made a name for himself in films such as Brassed Off and TV shows such as In Deep, speaks of his own experience in Britain from the time this film is set, and what attracted him to the role – while he reflects on what has been a triumphant, and certainly expansive career.
So what first attracted you to the role of Harrigan?
Vincent Woods, the film’s director, came to see me the year before we started shooting. I was doing live theatre in Newcastle in a play by my friend Shaun Prendergast,...
- 9/16/2013
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
2012 will be the first year that GeekTrant will invade WonderCon, mostly due to the fact that it was moved down to Anaheim, CA this year which is right in our backyard. We're all pretty excited about attending this year, as we've heard it's a much smaller more intimate version of San Diego Comic Con.
WonderCon is set to open on Friday, March 16th and run through Sunday, March 18th at the Anaheim Convention Center. If you plan on attending let us know, and maybe we can meet up and hang out for a bit!
I've put stars next to the panels we are interested in attending. Check out the schedule, and let us know what you are looking forward to seeing most!
Friday March 16th
12:30-1:30 Idw Presents: The Idw Panel!— Chief creative officer Chris Ryall and sergeant of marketing Dirk Wood, give out prizes, make announcements, and evade questions!
WonderCon is set to open on Friday, March 16th and run through Sunday, March 18th at the Anaheim Convention Center. If you plan on attending let us know, and maybe we can meet up and hang out for a bit!
I've put stars next to the panels we are interested in attending. Check out the schedule, and let us know what you are looking forward to seeing most!
Friday March 16th
12:30-1:30 Idw Presents: The Idw Panel!— Chief creative officer Chris Ryall and sergeant of marketing Dirk Wood, give out prizes, make announcements, and evade questions!
- 2/28/2012
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Hammer Horror director Don Sharp has died, aged 90.
The Australia-born moviemaker passed away in Cornwall, England earlier this month, according to Variety. No other details of his death had been released as WENN went to press.
Sharp was best known for being brought in to revive the flagging Hammer Film studio in Britain in the 1960s after the company suffered a drop in popularity. He went on to direct numerous horror pictures for the firm including The Kiss of the Vampire, The Devil-Ship Pirates and Rasputin: The Mad Monk.
His other film work outside of Hammer included directing The Face of Fu Manchu and The Brides of Fu Manchu with Sir Christopher Lee. He was also behind the 1978 remake of The Thirty Nine Steps, starring Robert Powell, a 1974 film version of TV drama Callan with Edward Woodward, and 1979's Bear Island with Donald Sutherland and Vanessa Redgrave.
The Australia-born moviemaker passed away in Cornwall, England earlier this month, according to Variety. No other details of his death had been released as WENN went to press.
Sharp was best known for being brought in to revive the flagging Hammer Film studio in Britain in the 1960s after the company suffered a drop in popularity. He went on to direct numerous horror pictures for the firm including The Kiss of the Vampire, The Devil-Ship Pirates and Rasputin: The Mad Monk.
His other film work outside of Hammer included directing The Face of Fu Manchu and The Brides of Fu Manchu with Sir Christopher Lee. He was also behind the 1978 remake of The Thirty Nine Steps, starring Robert Powell, a 1974 film version of TV drama Callan with Edward Woodward, and 1979's Bear Island with Donald Sutherland and Vanessa Redgrave.
- 12/27/2011
- WENN
Veteran British thesp and "Doctor Who" actor Nicholas Courtney has died in London at the age of 81, passing away after a short illness reports The BBC.
Courtney played the no-nonsense and often dryly witted character of Brigadier Alastair Lethbridge-Stewart across many decades of the franchise, first appearing in 1968 and making his last appearance on spin-off "The Sarah Jane Adventures" in 2008. All up he appeared in 107 episodes of 'Who'.
In his time on screen he played opposite five different Doctors, most commonly with Jon Pertwee, and worked with two more (David Tennant and Paul McGann) on audio stories.
A staple of British television, Courtney also appeared on such shows as "The Saint," "The Avengers," "Minder," "Callan," "The Bill," "Casualty," "Doctors," "Yes Prime Minister" and "The Champions."
"A true gentlemen" as Edgar Wright put so well, 'The Brigadier' will be sorely missed.
Courtney played the no-nonsense and often dryly witted character of Brigadier Alastair Lethbridge-Stewart across many decades of the franchise, first appearing in 1968 and making his last appearance on spin-off "The Sarah Jane Adventures" in 2008. All up he appeared in 107 episodes of 'Who'.
In his time on screen he played opposite five different Doctors, most commonly with Jon Pertwee, and worked with two more (David Tennant and Paul McGann) on audio stories.
A staple of British television, Courtney also appeared on such shows as "The Saint," "The Avengers," "Minder," "Callan," "The Bill," "Casualty," "Doctors," "Yes Prime Minister" and "The Champions."
"A true gentlemen" as Edgar Wright put so well, 'The Brigadier' will be sorely missed.
- 2/23/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Versatile Irish stage actor who became a familiar face across British drama
Before he became a familiar face on television and cinema screens, the outstanding Irish actor Tp McKenna, who has died after a long illness aged 81, bridged the gap between the old and the new Abbey theatres in Dublin. He appeared with the company for eight years during the interim period at the Queen's theatre; the old Abbey burned down in 1951, the new one opened by the Liffey in 1966.
During that time he made his reputation as a leading actor of great charm, vocal resource – with a fine singing voice – and versatility. He was equally adept at comedy and tragedy, a great exponent of the best Irish playwriting from Jm Synge and Séan O'Casey to Hugh Leonard and Brian Friel. The elder son in Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night was a favourite, much acclaimed role.
It was Stephen D,...
Before he became a familiar face on television and cinema screens, the outstanding Irish actor Tp McKenna, who has died after a long illness aged 81, bridged the gap between the old and the new Abbey theatres in Dublin. He appeared with the company for eight years during the interim period at the Queen's theatre; the old Abbey burned down in 1951, the new one opened by the Liffey in 1966.
During that time he made his reputation as a leading actor of great charm, vocal resource – with a fine singing voice – and versatility. He was equally adept at comedy and tragedy, a great exponent of the best Irish playwriting from Jm Synge and Séan O'Casey to Hugh Leonard and Brian Friel. The elder son in Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night was a favourite, much acclaimed role.
It was Stephen D,...
- 2/17/2011
- by Michael Coveney
- The Guardian - Film News
Robin Hardy, 1973
Robin Hardy's slow-burning chiller, from a screenplay by Anthony Shaffer (author of Sleuth, and brother of Peter), was once hailed by the magazine Cinefantastique as "the Citizen Kane of horror movies".
It was originally released as a supporting feature to Don't Look Now, but had a troubled distribution history, which delayed its elevation to cult status until the 1980s. Ailing production company British Lion was bought by Emi midway through shooting, and Hardy was obliged to make cuts (but resisted demands by studio executives that he change the ending); a further 13 minutes were cut for the American release. It wasn't until nearly 30 years later that a restored version became available on DVD. (In 2006 Neil Labute wrote and directed a risible remake, transposed to a matriarchal community on an island off the coast of America's Pacific north-west region and starring Nicolas Cage.)
Christopher Lee, who was proud of his performance as Lord Summerisle,...
Robin Hardy's slow-burning chiller, from a screenplay by Anthony Shaffer (author of Sleuth, and brother of Peter), was once hailed by the magazine Cinefantastique as "the Citizen Kane of horror movies".
It was originally released as a supporting feature to Don't Look Now, but had a troubled distribution history, which delayed its elevation to cult status until the 1980s. Ailing production company British Lion was bought by Emi midway through shooting, and Hardy was obliged to make cuts (but resisted demands by studio executives that he change the ending); a further 13 minutes were cut for the American release. It wasn't until nearly 30 years later that a restored version became available on DVD. (In 2006 Neil Labute wrote and directed a risible remake, transposed to a matriarchal community on an island off the coast of America's Pacific north-west region and starring Nicolas Cage.)
Christopher Lee, who was proud of his performance as Lord Summerisle,...
- 10/22/2010
- by Anne Billson
- The Guardian - Film News
Edward Woodward is one of my favorite actors of all time; as a kid, I was completely in love with his CBS series The Equalizer. Unfortunately, Woodward passed away last year at 79 after prolonged health problems. Acorn Media has, however, released another volume of Woodward’s pre-Equalizer spy series Callan (1967-1972), and I have the inside look at that to share with you.
The Show
Callan was a great drama about the dark side of the spy world well before the topic became in vogue. Woodward portrayed the title character, David Callan, crack agent for British counterintelligence who was the best at what he did, but did so under extreme duress. Callan was privy to all the nasty side-effects of working in the espionage business: double-crosses, assassinations, blackmail, and plenty of other unsavory dealings.
In a strange development, Set 2 of Callan is actually the show’s fourth season (Set 1 started...
The Show
Callan was a great drama about the dark side of the spy world well before the topic became in vogue. Woodward portrayed the title character, David Callan, crack agent for British counterintelligence who was the best at what he did, but did so under extreme duress. Callan was privy to all the nasty side-effects of working in the espionage business: double-crosses, assassinations, blackmail, and plenty of other unsavory dealings.
In a strange development, Set 2 of Callan is actually the show’s fourth season (Set 1 started...
- 9/29/2010
- by Brittany Frederick
- TVovermind.com
Callan is a dry, downbeat show about an ex-serviceman used by British intelligence to deal with difficult situations, sometimes requiring him to kill. It's an unglamorous, un-romanticised account of the job, that lays bare the hypocrisy and unpleasantness of the Cold War struggle between the West and the former Soviet Union. The two series of gripping stories, 22 in all, hinge on the compelling central performance of Edward Woodward as complex reluctant anti-hero David Callan.
In the same way that wild optimistic flights of science fiction fantasy like Barbarella and 2001:a Space Odyssey gave way to cynicism and negative future visions like Planet Of The Apes and Soylent Green, spy films were also transformed from the slick, wise-cracking James Bond and Men From Uncle, to the downbeat and unsettling Harry Palmer and Callan.
Discrediting, blackmailing, and ultimately killing people whose actions threaten the West is the stock in trade on the...
In the same way that wild optimistic flights of science fiction fantasy like Barbarella and 2001:a Space Odyssey gave way to cynicism and negative future visions like Planet Of The Apes and Soylent Green, spy films were also transformed from the slick, wise-cracking James Bond and Men From Uncle, to the downbeat and unsettling Harry Palmer and Callan.
Discrediting, blackmailing, and ultimately killing people whose actions threaten the West is the stock in trade on the...
- 5/10/2010
- by admin@shadowlocked.com (Parsley The Lion)
- Shadowlocked
DVD Playhouse—December 2009
By
Allen Gardner
Public Enemies (Universal) Johnny Depp portrays legendary Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger in co- writer/director Michael Mann’s take on America’s first “Public Enemy Number One.” Like many big studio releases today, Public Enemies has it all: A-list talent before and behind the camera, but lacks a heart or soul that allows its audience to connect with it. Film plays out like a “true crime” TV show with re-enactments of famous events cast with top actors and shot by the best technicians in the business, with little, if any, character or story development to hold it together in between. A real disappointment from one of our finest filmmakers and finest actors. The lone standout: the great character actor Stephen Lang as a hard-eyed lawman who’s seen a lot, but manages to retain a tiny piece of his heart. For a better take on the same subject,...
By
Allen Gardner
Public Enemies (Universal) Johnny Depp portrays legendary Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger in co- writer/director Michael Mann’s take on America’s first “Public Enemy Number One.” Like many big studio releases today, Public Enemies has it all: A-list talent before and behind the camera, but lacks a heart or soul that allows its audience to connect with it. Film plays out like a “true crime” TV show with re-enactments of famous events cast with top actors and shot by the best technicians in the business, with little, if any, character or story development to hold it together in between. A real disappointment from one of our finest filmmakers and finest actors. The lone standout: the great character actor Stephen Lang as a hard-eyed lawman who’s seen a lot, but manages to retain a tiny piece of his heart. For a better take on the same subject,...
- 12/19/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Most American TV viewers know Edward Woodward from his run as Robert McCall as The Equalizer. But, British TV aficionados know he trained in backside-kicking on the dark, gritty British spy series, Callan.
Written by James Mitchell, the show featured David Callan -- a spy working for an ultra-secret arm of the British Intelligence service specializing in assassinations. Unfortunately, the former soldier and convict was cursed with a conscience that led him to hate his job, his superiors and himself.
Woodward was perfect in the role -- blending haunted humor with genuine menace to create an intelligent, tortured man who you believed could kill anyone without having to look like Rambo while he did it.
Continue reading Remember the great Edward Woodward with Callan
Filed under: Other Drama Shows, TV on DVD, Celebrities, Obituaries, Reality-Free, British TV
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Written by James Mitchell, the show featured David Callan -- a spy working for an ultra-secret arm of the British Intelligence service specializing in assassinations. Unfortunately, the former soldier and convict was cursed with a conscience that led him to hate his job, his superiors and himself.
Woodward was perfect in the role -- blending haunted humor with genuine menace to create an intelligent, tortured man who you believed could kill anyone without having to look like Rambo while he did it.
Continue reading Remember the great Edward Woodward with Callan
Filed under: Other Drama Shows, TV on DVD, Celebrities, Obituaries, Reality-Free, British TV
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
- 12/14/2009
- by John Scott Lewinski
- Aol TV.
British actor Edward Woodward starred as the ill-fated Sgt. Howie, a repressed and religious police officer, in Anthony Shaffer’s occult thriller The Wicker Man in 1973. Sent to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to search for a missing girl, he becomes enmeshed in an arcane pagan ritual that results in his own sacrifice in a burning wicker effigy to ensure a bountiful harvest. Christopher Lee co-starred as Lord Summerisle, and Britt Ekland, Diane Cilento, and Ingrid Pitt were featured as enticing pagan ladies.
Woodward was born in Croydon, England, on June 1, 1930. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and made his professional stage debut in 1946. A Shakespearean stage actor, he also appeared frequently in films and television from the early 1960s. He was featured in episodes of The Saint, The Baron, Mystery and Imagination, and Sherlock Holmes, and was Auguste Dupin in a 1968 production of Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue.
Woodward was born in Croydon, England, on June 1, 1930. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and made his professional stage debut in 1946. A Shakespearean stage actor, he also appeared frequently in films and television from the early 1960s. He was featured in episodes of The Saint, The Baron, Mystery and Imagination, and Sherlock Holmes, and was Auguste Dupin in a 1968 production of Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue.
- 11/19/2009
- by Harris Lentz
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Yesterday cinema lost one of its true greats. After a long battle with a series of illnesses including pneumonia Edward Woodwardpassed away at Truro hospital in Cornwall surrounded by his beloved family.
Edward Woodward was born on June 1st 1930 in Croydon and enjoyed initial success on the small screen. In 1967 he starred in “Callan” a TV series that ran up until 1972. He played a world-weary assassin for the S.I.S. and showed the world a glimpse of how he could handle the brooding intensity that was to become his trademark.
1973 saw him take the role he will be best remembered for when he starred as Sergeant Howie in the seminal cult horror film The Wicker Man.
His performance as the young, straight-laced, intensely religious copper ranks among the best in the world. He gave a performance so haunting that it was forever burned into the soul of every film lover worldwide.
Edward Woodward was born on June 1st 1930 in Croydon and enjoyed initial success on the small screen. In 1967 he starred in “Callan” a TV series that ran up until 1972. He played a world-weary assassin for the S.I.S. and showed the world a glimpse of how he could handle the brooding intensity that was to become his trademark.
1973 saw him take the role he will be best remembered for when he starred as Sergeant Howie in the seminal cult horror film The Wicker Man.
His performance as the young, straight-laced, intensely religious copper ranks among the best in the world. He gave a performance so haunting that it was forever burned into the soul of every film lover worldwide.
- 11/17/2009
- by Alex Wagner
- FilmShaft.com
Stars including Sir Christopher Lee and Simon Pegg have paid tribute to late British actor Edward Woodward, who died on Monday.
The 79 year old, best known for his role in cult horror film The Wicker Man, as well as TV series including Callan and The Equalizer, passed away in hospital following a long battle with illness.
Woodward's The Wicker Man co-star Lee has expressed his sadness at losing "a very good friend and a splendid actor," while Robin Hardy, who directed the pair in the cult 1973 movie, adds: "He was one of the greatest actors of his generation, with a broad career on U.S. TV as well as British TV. He was an extremely nice human being."
British funnyman Pegg, who cast Woodward in his 2007 film Hot Fuzz, has also honoured the late actor, taking to his Twitter.com page to write, "So sorry to hear we have lost the great Edward Woodward. Feel lucky to have worked with him."...
The 79 year old, best known for his role in cult horror film The Wicker Man, as well as TV series including Callan and The Equalizer, passed away in hospital following a long battle with illness.
Woodward's The Wicker Man co-star Lee has expressed his sadness at losing "a very good friend and a splendid actor," while Robin Hardy, who directed the pair in the cult 1973 movie, adds: "He was one of the greatest actors of his generation, with a broad career on U.S. TV as well as British TV. He was an extremely nice human being."
British funnyman Pegg, who cast Woodward in his 2007 film Hot Fuzz, has also honoured the late actor, taking to his Twitter.com page to write, "So sorry to hear we have lost the great Edward Woodward. Feel lucky to have worked with him."...
- 11/17/2009
- WENN
London (Reuters) - British actor Edward Woodward, best known for roles in 1973 cult classic "The Wicker Man" and U.S. television series "The Equalizer," died Monday aged 79.His agent Janet Glass said the veteran of stage and screen had been ill for several months and passed away in hospital surrounded by members of his family."I knew him a very long time and he was a superb human being," Glass told Reuters."That integrity shone through in the roles he played. I can't ever remember, in all the productions he undertook, anyone having a bad word to say about him and he never had anything bad to say about anyone else either."Woodward played police sergeant Neil Howie in occult thriller The Wicker Man, a story of his search for a missing girl on an isolated island.The movie, famous for its final scene in which Howie is burned alive,...
- 11/16/2009
- backstage.com
The actor Edward Woodward, best known for his roles as a virginal policeman in The Wicker Man and a trenchcoated vigilante in the 1980s TV series The Equalizer, has died, his agent confirmed .
The Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, who was 79, had been suffering from a number of illnesses including pneumonia, Janet Glass said, and died in hospital near his home in Cornwall.
She said he had been "universally loved and admired" in a career of "unforgettable" roles, adding: "He was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness," she said in a statement. He is survived by his wife, the actor Michele Dotrice, and four children.
Woodward, who was born into a working class family in Croydon, south London, attended Rada and was already a successful stage actor when, in 1967, he won the part of the unsmiling assassin...
The Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, who was 79, had been suffering from a number of illnesses including pneumonia, Janet Glass said, and died in hospital near his home in Cornwall.
She said he had been "universally loved and admired" in a career of "unforgettable" roles, adding: "He was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness," she said in a statement. He is survived by his wife, the actor Michele Dotrice, and four children.
Woodward, who was born into a working class family in Croydon, south London, attended Rada and was already a successful stage actor when, in 1967, he won the part of the unsmiling assassin...
- 11/16/2009
- by Esther Addley
- The Guardian - Film News
Popular actor known for his roles in Callan, The Equalizer and The Wicker Man
Edward Woodward, who has died aged 79, was an actor with possibly far more potential than was ever realised on screen, but he became a popular television star in Callan and The Equalizer and enjoyed cult success with the film The Wicker Man. For many years, he was part of the comfortable community of jobbing actors, directors and producers which could be called the "Teddington set" – those who worked for the BBC, ABC and Thames TV studios in west London in their heyday – and so found it comparatively easy to get parts which were financially rewarding but not too stretching.
Presentable, but sombre in appearance, he played loners on the edges of society, and even sanity, who were in their different ways concerned with justice – either sympathetically or not. He was a man who, like many of his most memorable roles,...
Edward Woodward, who has died aged 79, was an actor with possibly far more potential than was ever realised on screen, but he became a popular television star in Callan and The Equalizer and enjoyed cult success with the film The Wicker Man. For many years, he was part of the comfortable community of jobbing actors, directors and producers which could be called the "Teddington set" – those who worked for the BBC, ABC and Thames TV studios in west London in their heyday – and so found it comparatively easy to get parts which were financially rewarding but not too stretching.
Presentable, but sombre in appearance, he played loners on the edges of society, and even sanity, who were in their different ways concerned with justice – either sympathetically or not. He was a man who, like many of his most memorable roles,...
- 11/16/2009
- by Dennis Barker
- The Guardian - Film News
The Guardian reported that Edward Woodward, the British actor who starred in The Wicker Man and TV shows The Equalizer and Callan died from various complications at the age of 79. His agent issued this statement: “Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.” Woodward played Sergeant Howie in the 1974 film, The Wicker Man (one of my favorite films). The film also stars Christopher Lee, [...]
Post from: Screamstress...
Post from: Screamstress...
- 11/16/2009
- by Alison
- Screamstress.com
Actor Edward Woodward's death at the age of 79 prompted a string of tweets from the comics crowd this morning, many of whom are unsurprisingly fans of his TV series "The Equalizer." Simon Pegg, meanwhile, holds a special place in his heart for the 1974 movie spin-off of Woodward's series "Callan."
Elsewhere, Jon Favreau hit the editing room hard for "Iron Man 2," and had good things to post about the digital animated shots he's integrating into the film. Read what he had to say after the jump along with Fred Van Lente's hopes for the Marvel Spider-Man summit and Andy Diggle's continued observations from "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2."
It's all in the Twitter Report for November 16, 2009.
@Jon_Favreau Digital animated shots starting to come in. The movie is beginning to take on it's final look.
-Jon Favreau, Director ("Iron Man," "Iron Man 2")
@simonpegg Favourite #EdwardWoodward moments?...
Elsewhere, Jon Favreau hit the editing room hard for "Iron Man 2," and had good things to post about the digital animated shots he's integrating into the film. Read what he had to say after the jump along with Fred Van Lente's hopes for the Marvel Spider-Man summit and Andy Diggle's continued observations from "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2."
It's all in the Twitter Report for November 16, 2009.
@Jon_Favreau Digital animated shots starting to come in. The movie is beginning to take on it's final look.
-Jon Favreau, Director ("Iron Man," "Iron Man 2")
@simonpegg Favourite #EdwardWoodward moments?...
- 11/16/2009
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Splash Page
Edward Woodward, probably best known to U.S. audiences as crime-fighting ex-agent Robert McCall on the cool 80s series The Equalizer, has died at the age of 79.
Of course, before taking that role, Woodward had a long, distinguished film career, starring in such classic films as Breaker Morant and The Wicker Man. Long before The Equalizer he did a British series where he played a spy in the series Callan, which ran from 1967 to 1972.. He appeared in several other TV shows over the years, including The Defenders, The Saint, La Femme Nikita, CI5, Over My Dead Body, Nice Work, 1990, The Edward Woodward Hour, and many others.
This year he guest starred in several episodes of the classic British show EastEnders. He was also an accomplished stage actor and singer.
Continue reading The Equalizer's Edward Woodward dead at 79
Filed under: Celebrities, Obituaries, Reality-Free
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Of course, before taking that role, Woodward had a long, distinguished film career, starring in such classic films as Breaker Morant and The Wicker Man. Long before The Equalizer he did a British series where he played a spy in the series Callan, which ran from 1967 to 1972.. He appeared in several other TV shows over the years, including The Defenders, The Saint, La Femme Nikita, CI5, Over My Dead Body, Nice Work, 1990, The Edward Woodward Hour, and many others.
This year he guest starred in several episodes of the classic British show EastEnders. He was also an accomplished stage actor and singer.
Continue reading The Equalizer's Edward Woodward dead at 79
Filed under: Celebrities, Obituaries, Reality-Free
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
- 11/16/2009
- by Bob Sassone
- Aol TV.
The actor Edward Woodward, best known for playing righteous enforcers in Callan, The Equalizer and The Wicker Man, has died at the age of 79. We look back over his career
Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland had the splashier roles in The Wicker Man, the 1973 occult horror set in a fictional Hebridian island demented by paganism, but it was the performance of Edward Woodward, who died today, that made that film so haunting. Woodward was cast in the role of devout Christian police sergeant Neil Howie, dispatched from the mainland to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, after actors including Michael York and David Hemmings turned it down.
It's hard to imagine how slick, pin-up performers as these would have brought the same emotional punch to that terrible, awe-inspiring climax, in which Howie hollers to God and sings The Lord Is My Shepherd as he is immolated. It's one of...
Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland had the splashier roles in The Wicker Man, the 1973 occult horror set in a fictional Hebridian island demented by paganism, but it was the performance of Edward Woodward, who died today, that made that film so haunting. Woodward was cast in the role of devout Christian police sergeant Neil Howie, dispatched from the mainland to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, after actors including Michael York and David Hemmings turned it down.
It's hard to imagine how slick, pin-up performers as these would have brought the same emotional punch to that terrible, awe-inspiring climax, in which Howie hollers to God and sings The Lord Is My Shepherd as he is immolated. It's one of...
- 11/16/2009
- by Catherine Shoard
- The Guardian - Film News
Veteran British actor Edward Woodward has died at the age of 79.
Woodward, best known for his roles in cult horror film The Wicker Man and hit TV series Callan and The Equalizer, passed away in hospital on Monday after battling illnesses including pneumonia.
In a statement, his agent Janet Glass says: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.
"He was further sustained by the love of his wife, Michele, children, Tim, Peter, Sarah and Emily, his grandchildren and numerous friends. His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives."
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Woodward launched his career as a theatre actor in Shakespeare plays across the U.K. and made his London stage debut in Where There's A Will in 1955.
He then made several appearances on Broadway in shows including the Tony Award-winning musical High Spirits and landed a clutch of film roles before starring as devout Christian Police Sergeant Neil Howie in 1973's The Wicker Man. Several movies parts followed, including the title role in Australian drama Breaker Morant in 1980.
Woodward was also a prolific TV actor, appearing in more than 2,000 productions, most notably as David Callan in spy series Callan and as former secret agent Robert McCall in The Equalizer. This latter role earned him a 1987 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Dramatic TV Series and four Emmy Award nominations from 1986 to 1990.
He was made an Order of the British Empire in 1978.
Woodward's most recent roles included a part in 2007 comedy Hot Fuzz and an appearance in hit British soap opera EastEnders earlier this year. In addition to acting, Woodward was also an accomplished singer and recorded 12 albums.
He suffered two heart attacks and underwent triple bypass surgery in 1996, and in February 2003 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Woodward died at a hospital near his home in Cornwall, south west England on Monday. He leaves behind two sons - Tim and Peter - and daughter Sarah, from his first marriage to Venetia Barrett, and daughter Emily Beth, from his second marriage to Michele Dotrice.
Woodward, best known for his roles in cult horror film The Wicker Man and hit TV series Callan and The Equalizer, passed away in hospital on Monday after battling illnesses including pneumonia.
In a statement, his agent Janet Glass says: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.
"He was further sustained by the love of his wife, Michele, children, Tim, Peter, Sarah and Emily, his grandchildren and numerous friends. His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives."
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Woodward launched his career as a theatre actor in Shakespeare plays across the U.K. and made his London stage debut in Where There's A Will in 1955.
He then made several appearances on Broadway in shows including the Tony Award-winning musical High Spirits and landed a clutch of film roles before starring as devout Christian Police Sergeant Neil Howie in 1973's The Wicker Man. Several movies parts followed, including the title role in Australian drama Breaker Morant in 1980.
Woodward was also a prolific TV actor, appearing in more than 2,000 productions, most notably as David Callan in spy series Callan and as former secret agent Robert McCall in The Equalizer. This latter role earned him a 1987 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Dramatic TV Series and four Emmy Award nominations from 1986 to 1990.
He was made an Order of the British Empire in 1978.
Woodward's most recent roles included a part in 2007 comedy Hot Fuzz and an appearance in hit British soap opera EastEnders earlier this year. In addition to acting, Woodward was also an accomplished singer and recorded 12 albums.
He suffered two heart attacks and underwent triple bypass surgery in 1996, and in February 2003 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Woodward died at a hospital near his home in Cornwall, south west England on Monday. He leaves behind two sons - Tim and Peter - and daughter Sarah, from his first marriage to Venetia Barrett, and daughter Emily Beth, from his second marriage to Michele Dotrice.
- 11/16/2009
- WENN
Actor had been suffering from pneumonia
Blog: the best clips featuring Edward Woodward
Edward Woodward, the versatile actor who starred in The Wicker Man and television dramas Callan and The Equalizer, has died at the age of 79.
He had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia, and died in hospital, his agent said. Janet Glass issued a statement praising his "brave spirit and wonderful humour".
It said: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness."
Woodward began his career on the stage at the Castle theatre, Farnham, in 1946. After graduation from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he worked extensively in repertory companies as a Shakespearean actor throughout England and Scotland, making his London...
Blog: the best clips featuring Edward Woodward
Edward Woodward, the versatile actor who starred in The Wicker Man and television dramas Callan and The Equalizer, has died at the age of 79.
He had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia, and died in hospital, his agent said. Janet Glass issued a statement praising his "brave spirit and wonderful humour".
It said: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness."
Woodward began his career on the stage at the Castle theatre, Farnham, in 1946. After graduation from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he worked extensively in repertory companies as a Shakespearean actor throughout England and Scotland, making his London...
- 11/16/2009
- by Mark Tran
- The Guardian - Film News
Actor Edward Woodward has passed away at age 79. The acclaimed star of stage and screen had appeared in many high-profile films including Breaker Morant, The Final Option, Young Winston and - more recently- the hit British comedy Hot Fuzz. He also starred in the popular British TV series Callan. However, Woodward will always be associated with the classic cult horror film The Wicker Man in which he plays a police inspector whose search for a missing girl leads him to interact with a bizarre society that mingles sex, murder and the occult. The film's long and pained history has been the subject of books and documentaries, but suffice it to say that it became a far bigger hit in the years after its initial release. Woodward co-starred in it with Sir Christopher Lee. In the 1980s, Woodward became a popular household name in America through his Emmy-nominated role as The Equalizer on TV.
- 11/16/2009
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Edward Woodward, the veteran actor who was best known for his roles in The Wicker Man and The Equalizer.
The 79-year-old had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia, and died in hospital today.
Originally a Shakespearian stage actor, his breakout role was in the 1960s-1970s spy series Callan, which then propelled him into several other prominent roles, including the 1973 film The Wicker Man, the 1980 Australian biographical drama Breaker Morant, and his lead role in the 1980s American tv series The Equalizer. Most recently he returned to the small screen for a brief role in EastEnders, playing a mysterious character from Patrick Trueman's past.
His agent Janet Glass released a statement praising his ''brave spirit and wonderful humour''. It said: ''Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan,...
The 79-year-old had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia, and died in hospital today.
Originally a Shakespearian stage actor, his breakout role was in the 1960s-1970s spy series Callan, which then propelled him into several other prominent roles, including the 1973 film The Wicker Man, the 1980 Australian biographical drama Breaker Morant, and his lead role in the 1980s American tv series The Equalizer. Most recently he returned to the small screen for a brief role in EastEnders, playing a mysterious character from Patrick Trueman's past.
His agent Janet Glass released a statement praising his ''brave spirit and wonderful humour''. It said: ''Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan,...
- 11/16/2009
- Screenrush
Veteran British actor Edward Woodward has died at the age of 79.
Woodward, best known for his roles in cult horror film The Wicker Man and hit TV series Callan and The Equalizer, passed away in hospital after battling illnesses including pneumonia.
In a statement, his agent Janet Glass says: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.
"He was further sustained by the love of his wife, Michele, children, Tim, Peter, Sarah and Emily, his grandchildren and numerous friends. His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives."...
Woodward, best known for his roles in cult horror film The Wicker Man and hit TV series Callan and The Equalizer, passed away in hospital after battling illnesses including pneumonia.
In a statement, his agent Janet Glass says: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.
"He was further sustained by the love of his wife, Michele, children, Tim, Peter, Sarah and Emily, his grandchildren and numerous friends. His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives."...
- 11/16/2009
- WENN
Edward Woodward, star of The Wicker Man, Callan, Hot Fuzz and the classic TV show, The Equalizer, has died. He was 79.His agent, Janet Glass, has confirmed that Woodward passed away, surrounded by his family, at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, following a long illness. He was surrounded by his family.The Croydon-born star, affectionately nicknamed Ewah Woowah, was perhaps most famous for his iconic TV roles – he played ace secret agent Callan in the British series of the same name from 1967 to 1972, and then the titular The Equalizer, aka Robert McCall, in the wildly successful Us TV show in the mid-80s. He also did a stint on EastEnders earlier in the year, a stint which marked his last on-screen appearance.But his film career was equally storied, with standouts including Breaker Morant (famous for his defiant cry of “Shoot straight, you bastards! Don’t make a mess of it!
- 11/16/2009
- EmpireOnline
Edward Woodward has died at the age of 79. The British actor, known for his roles in cult movie The Wicker Man and Us TV series The Equalizer, passed away at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro today after suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia, his agent confirmed. Starting his career on stage, Woodward went on to win a BAFTA for his role in spy series Callan in 1970. He later picked up a Golden Globe in 1987 for playing vigilante Robert McCall in The Equalizer. He recently appeared on the big screen in Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg's Hot Fuzz and (more)...
- 11/16/2009
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
He was a remarkably talented British thespian, but American audiences knew him best as Robert McCall, the "retired" CIA operative from the popular CBS series The Equalizer, which ran from 1985-89. His name was Edward Woodward, and today the veteran of stage and screen passed away at the age of 79.
In a statement, his agent Janet Glass of the Eric Glass Ltd. agency in London said Woodward died in a Cornwall hospital near where he lived. He had been suffering from pneumonia. His family was by his side.
Those on the other side of pond knew Woodward well from the 1973 cult classic movie The Wicker Man, in which he played police sergeant Neil Howie, searching for a missing girl on an isolated island. That part came in the wake of his appearances in the British spy series Callan, Woodward's big breakthrough into television and movie acting.
But it was playing...
In a statement, his agent Janet Glass of the Eric Glass Ltd. agency in London said Woodward died in a Cornwall hospital near where he lived. He had been suffering from pneumonia. His family was by his side.
Those on the other side of pond knew Woodward well from the 1973 cult classic movie The Wicker Man, in which he played police sergeant Neil Howie, searching for a missing girl on an isolated island. That part came in the wake of his appearances in the British spy series Callan, Woodward's big breakthrough into television and movie acting.
But it was playing...
- 11/16/2009
- CinemaSpy
Scott Hicks: One Of The Boys
By
Alex Simon
Scott Hicks made his bones as a filmmaker the old-fashioned way, paying his dues as a crew member during the Australian film industry’s birth in the 1970s. Born in Uganda March 4, 1953, and raised in Kenya, England and finally Australia, Hicks worked his way up to assistant director for soon-to-be big names such as Peter Weir and Bruce Beresford before moving into directing industrial films and documentaries for television. Hicks didn’t direct his first feature, Freedom, until 1982, and had to wait for his second, in 1996, to put him on the A-list. Shine was the true story of Australian piano prodigy David Helfgott, and his battle with mental illness. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, and won a Best Actor statuette for Geoffrey Rush, who played Helfgott as an adult.
Hicks has been choosy since then, going back and...
By
Alex Simon
Scott Hicks made his bones as a filmmaker the old-fashioned way, paying his dues as a crew member during the Australian film industry’s birth in the 1970s. Born in Uganda March 4, 1953, and raised in Kenya, England and finally Australia, Hicks worked his way up to assistant director for soon-to-be big names such as Peter Weir and Bruce Beresford before moving into directing industrial films and documentaries for television. Hicks didn’t direct his first feature, Freedom, until 1982, and had to wait for his second, in 1996, to put him on the A-list. Shine was the true story of Australian piano prodigy David Helfgott, and his battle with mental illness. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, and won a Best Actor statuette for Geoffrey Rush, who played Helfgott as an adult.
Hicks has been choosy since then, going back and...
- 9/28/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
DVD Playhouse—June 2009
By
Allen Gardner
The International (Sony) An Interpol agent (Clive Owen) joins forces with a Manhattan D.A. (Naomi Watts) to bring down an arms dealing ring and a corrupt global banking cartel that’s funding them. Superlative thriller was oddly ignored by critics and audiences alike, but expertly blends intelligence (courtesy screenwriter Eric Warren Singer’s masterfully-crafted script) and full-throttle action (director Tom Tykwer stages one of the great film shoot-outs in New York’s iconic Guggenheim Museum), making this dynamite thriller reminiscent of the best work from masters such as John Frankenheimer and Robert Aldrich. Armin Mueller-Stahl is wonderful as a world-weary covert op. Bonuses: Extended scene; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
The Jack Lemmon Film Collection(Sony) Five films from the two-time Oscar winning actor, focusing on his early career: Phfft! is a zippy comedy from 1954, one of Lemmon’s earliest films, in which...
By
Allen Gardner
The International (Sony) An Interpol agent (Clive Owen) joins forces with a Manhattan D.A. (Naomi Watts) to bring down an arms dealing ring and a corrupt global banking cartel that’s funding them. Superlative thriller was oddly ignored by critics and audiences alike, but expertly blends intelligence (courtesy screenwriter Eric Warren Singer’s masterfully-crafted script) and full-throttle action (director Tom Tykwer stages one of the great film shoot-outs in New York’s iconic Guggenheim Museum), making this dynamite thriller reminiscent of the best work from masters such as John Frankenheimer and Robert Aldrich. Armin Mueller-Stahl is wonderful as a world-weary covert op. Bonuses: Extended scene; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
The Jack Lemmon Film Collection(Sony) Five films from the two-time Oscar winning actor, focusing on his early career: Phfft! is a zippy comedy from 1954, one of Lemmon’s earliest films, in which...
- 6/3/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning actor Edward Woodward has joined the cast of EastEnders. The 78-year-old - who is most noted for his roles in The Wicker Man and Callan - is to take on the role of Tommy Clifford, a charming man in his early 70s who appears in Albert Square in search of Minute Mart owner Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker). Having sent his neighbour and friend Theo Kelly (Rolan Bell) ahead to test the waters with the Trueman clan, Tommy arrives in Walford in the hope of befriending the rum-loving gambler. Despite having never met, Tommy is extremely keen to learn more about him but unbeknown to Patrick, his motives are less than honourable. Of his role, Woodward said: "I've watched and enjoyed EastEnders for many years and it has been a joy to work on this great show with such a fantastic cast and crew." (more)...
- 2/19/2009
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
The Equalizer star Edward Woodward is battling prostate cancer. The veteran actor, 72, is having treatment and doctors are so far pleased with his progress, according to Woodward's agent Janet Glass. Woodward suffered two massive heart attacks - in 1987 and 1994 - which almost ended his career. After a triple heart bypass he lost 30 pounds and gave up his cigarette habit. The actor is best known for his starring role on hit TV shows The Equalizer and Callan, as well as the cult 1973 movie The Wicker Man with Britt Ekland.
- 2/5/2003
- WENN
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