Shropshire Star

Edward Woodward dies

Actor Edward Woodward, famous for his roles in The Wicker Man, The Equalizer, and the Shropshire filmed A Christmas Carol, died today aged 79, his agent said. Actor Edward Woodward, famous for his roles in The Wicker Man, Callan and The Equalizer, died today. Mr Woodward, who was 79, also played the Ghost of Christmas present in the 1983 film version of A Christmas Carol, which was shot in Shrewsbury. He had been suffering from a number of illnesses, including pneumonia, and died in hospital, his agent said. 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 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." Did your meet Edward Woodward during the filming of A Christmas Carol? Tell us your memories in the comment box below For tributes see today's Shropshire Star

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The 79-year-old, who also starred in the 1984 movie A Christmas Carol - filmed in Shrewsbury - had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia. He died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Mr Woodward's 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 Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.

  • Did your meet Edward Woodward during the filming of A Christmas Carol? Tell us your memories in the comment box below

"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."

His friend Shrewsbury town crier Martin Wood, who played Mr Woodward's double in A Christmas Carol, said he had been left "gutted" by the news.

The pair became close during filming for the movie and kept in regular contact with each other.

Mr Wood said: "Myself and my wife Sue went to stay with Edward and his wife Michele at their home. He helped me a lot with breathing techniques and voice projection for my role as town crier.

"I am gutted to hear of his death and we will phone Michele later on and have a chat with her. I really am upset about it."

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