Actor Edward Woodward, the star of TV show “The Equalizer” and films such as “The Wicker Man” and “Breaker Morant” died Monday in a Cornwall hospital at age 79.
Janet Glass of the Eric Glass Limited agency said that the actor, who won a Golden Globe during 1987 for “The Equalizer” and an Emmy in 1990 for “Remembering World War II” passed away due to an illness.
Woodward’s career began in 1946, playing roles in productions from “A Kiss for Cinderella” to the British soap opera “Eastenders”. He also took on roles in Shakespearean productions and 40 films for television and theatre. “Hot Fuzz” in 2007 and “Congregation of Ghosts” (which is currently in post-production) were the actor’s last films. He also delved into music, creating albums such as 1977’s “Love is the Key” and 1994’s “The Jewel that was Ours”.
“I think I’ve probably done more television than any actor living,” the actor said during an interview in 1987. “I’ve done over 2,000, could be 3,000 now, television productions. I suppose there is also the feeling that it is the largest medium by far for information, education and above all, entertainment. And after all, that’s what an actor’s life is all about. Getting work and entertaining people.”
Woodward, during that period, also promoted the U.S. television film of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. He considered his role then of playing slave owner Simon Legree something new.
“If you are a British actor, you do lots of Shakespeare and lots of classical work. There is always a great actor who has just played your character,” Woodward said. “Lucky for me, Simon Legree has not been done very often.”
Funeral arrangements have not been made yet for the actor who is survived by his second wife Michele Dotrice and his four children.
