Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Fawlty star Nicky dies after 20yr cancer fight
Stage and screen actor famous for Towers role
ACTOR Nicky Henson, who appeared in Fawlty Towers, Eastenders and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer.
The stage and screen star played Mr Johnson in Fawlty Towers, a playboy who annoyed John Cleese’s Basil after he tried to sneak a woman into his room.
Henson had said that, despite his 50-year career, his tombstone will probably read: “Here lies Nicky Henson. He was in one episode of Fawlty Towers.”
His family said yesterday: “Nicky Henson has died after a long disagreement with cancer.” The dad of three was first diagnosed in 2001. He had surgery to remove tumours around his spleen.
In 2018, he said: “For the last 18 years, I’ve regarded myself as being in extra time, which I never expected to have, so I’m very thankful for it.”
Nicky also featured in Eastenders, as Honey Edwards’ father, Jack, and was entertainer Charles Grigg in Downton
Abbey. He played French count Henri de Vence in Corrie. He also had guest roles on shows including Minder, A Touch of Frost, Heartbeat, Lovejoy and Doctors. His film credits included Vera Drake and Syriana. Henson had many roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre, and was a founder member of the Young Vic. He recorded a pop single in 1961 and wrote songs for The Shadows and Cliff Richard. Henson was born in London in 1945 and was the son of comedian Leslie Henson. He was married to Worzel Gummidge star Una Stubbs from 1969-75, and they had two sons. He wed ballerina Marguerite Porter in 1986. They were married for more than 30 years, and had a son. Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth said yesterday: “Nicky Henson was just the loveliest & most brilliant guy.” Return of the Saint star Ian Ogilvy said was his “my oldest and dearest friend”.