Department S star Wyngarde dies at age of 90

0 Peter Wyngarde was best known for playing Jason King Jason King star Peter Wyngarde has been hailed as an “unique” talent following his death at the age of 90.

The British actor was best known for his TV role as suave, flamboyantly-dressed sleuth Jason King in Department S and its Seventies spinoff, which was named after his character. He enjoyed heartthrob and international sex symbol status in his day.

Wyngarde also notched up roles in The Avengers, The Saint, The Prisoner and appeared as villain Klytus in Flash Gordon and as Timanov in Doctor Who: Planet Of Fire.

He signed his contract for Department S on the back of a napkin in a restaurant and went on to make the character – with his handlebar moustache, frilly shirts and widelapelled three-piece suits – his own.

Jason King’s appearance is said to have inspired actor Hollywood star Mike Myers’ look for Austin Powers.

Wyngarde’s agent and manager, Thomas Bowington, said: “He was one of the most unique, original and creative actors that I have ever seen.”