Actor Barron dead at 83
TRIBUTES flooded in last night as veteran telly star Keith Barron died, aged 83, following a short illness.
The former Coronation Street and Duty Free actor had, his agent said, a “long and varied career of which he was immensely proud”.
The much-loved star also starred in Z-Cars, A Touch of Frost and the 1975 Hollywood film The Land That Time Forgot with Doug McClure.
Gwen Taylor, who played his on-screen wife Amy in Duty Free, led the tributes, describing the death as “quite a blow”.
The actress said: “I have just heard the news my old friend and colleague has died.
“Keith was such a kind and lovely man and don’t think I’ve met anyone that would disagree.
“My thoughts and prayers go to his loving wife Mary and his son Jamie.”
Keith was known best for portraying gruff northerner David Pearce in Duty Free, the 80s sitcom set in Spain that ran for three series.
In 2014, Keith toured in a stage version of Duty Free with original members Taylor and Neil Stacy.
Others stars paying tribute included Sunetra Sarker, who appeared alongside Keith in Casualty.
She said: “So sad to hear of dear friend Keith Barron passing away. One of a kind. Guaranteed laughter. Shall never forget the old days. Old school.”
The television stalwart was born in Mexborough, South Yorks in 1934 and, following national service in the RAF, joined the same amateur dramatics group as Brian Blessed.
Keith then moved to London where he performed in Dennis Potter’s pioneering The Nigel Barton Plays on BBC One.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, to whom he was married for 58 years and his son, Jamie, also an actor.
Elstree Studios chairman Morris Bright said: “He was a good friend of the industry and of Elstree Studios. A true gentleman.”