Tim, a gentleman and great actor of his generation, dies at age of 70
TIM Pigott-Smith, stage actor and star of The Jewel In The Crown, died yesterday aged 70.
The Bafta-winning actor, much admired for his theatrical work in London’s West End and New York’s Broadway, passed away less than a month after he was made an OBE for services to drama.
The father of one famously played Roland Merrick in the 1984 ITV series The Jewel In The Crown and Sir Philip Tapsell in Downton Abbey in 2012.
A statement last night from his agent, John Grant, said: “It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Tim Pigott-Smith died this morning.
“Tim was one of the great actors of his generation. Much-loved and admired by his peers, he will be remembered by many as a gentleman and a true friend.”
Tim Pigott-Smith was born in Warwickshire in 1946. He became an actor after graduating from the University of Bristol.
He soon became a regular in Britain’s theatres, mastering a variety of Shakespearean parts.
He entered the nation’s living rooms with a very minor part in TV movie Boswell’s Life Of Johnson in January 1971.
A couple of months later he enjoyed his first major TV part when he appeared in the Doctor Who story Claws Of Axos.
The ambitious actor then crossed the Atlantic to make his Broadway debut in Sherlock
TIM PIGOTT-SMITH (1946-2017)
Holmes, playing Arthur Conan Doyle’s sleuth’s sidekick Dr Watson in 1974.
Speaking last year, he recalled: “On the first night our wardrobe mistress Rosie gave each of us these personalised towels.
“From that day to this, I’ve used it to lay out my stage make-up.”
And his talent was soon to make its way to the silver screen.
His first appearance was in the war movie Aces High in 1976.
He also appeared in the James Bond film Quantum Of Solace, Gangs Of New York and Escape to Victory. But it was his performance in The Jewel In The Crown that saw him become a household name.
His portrayal of Merrick, who had to deal with class issues as well as the disintegration of the British Empire, won him a Bafta for best TV actor.
Viewers throughout his later years will remember appearances in TV favourites like Silent Witness, Lewis and Foyle’s War.
He had showed no sign of slowing down in recent months and had just finished filming the title role in King Charles III.
He was about to perform in a production of Arthur Miller’s Death Of A Salesman.
Mr Pigott-Smith formed the Compass Theatre company and was artistic director from 1989-92.
He leaves behind his wife Pamela and son Tom.