ENDER OF A LEGEND
Soap star Leonard Fenton dies at 95
HE was the long-suffering Albert Square doctor who spent much of his time dealing with chain-smoking hypochondriac Dot Cotton.
And like his most famous role, Leonard Fenton, who has died aged 95, will be remembered as a true gent.
Fenton appeared as Dr Harold Legg in EastEnders’ first episode in February 1985. The legend did not bid a final farewell to the Square until 2019.
But Walford’s favourite medic had a rich life away from tending to the gripes and moans of the likes of Dot, Lou Beale and Ethel Skinner.
In a 60-year-plus career, he appeared in Colditz, Shine on Harvey Moon, Z Cars, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, and The Bill.
The father of four was also an accomplished painter, singer, stage actor and director.
Yesterday EastEnders’ June Brown, 94, who played Dot until 2020, led tributes to her longterm co-star. She said: “I first met
Leonard as Dr Legg when I joined the cast of EastEnders as Dot, his hypochondriac patient, in 1985.
“He was a charming man in all ways, first as a person and then as an actor, extremely polite and kind.
“I enjoyed working with him enormously for many years and missed him when he retired. I was glad that I’d been with him for his last scene with Dot at his bedside and my thoughts are with his devoted family.”
Fenton appeared in 267 episodes, mostly before 1997 when Dr Legg retired as Walford’s resident GP. In 2019, Dr Legg died on screen after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Fenton’s death was announced in a statement which said: “The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday, January 29.
“Best known for his role as Dr Legg on EastEnders, Leonard’s acting career spanned more than 60 years.
“He worked in TV and film and his long stage career included time at the National Theatre and most recently the Royal Shakespeare Company.
“He felt privileged to have worked with some of the greats of the theatre, including Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller.
“His passion for painting and singing pre-dated his acting career and was equally as important to him.
“He will be missed beyond words by his family. We feel incredibly lucky to have been able to be with him as his
health worsened towards the end – a privilege denied to so many during these tough times.”
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia Fowler, said: “He was utterly charming, continuously joked with me and loved talking about his past.
“I feel honoured that our paths crossed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, said: “He was a lovely, charming man who was so kind and always told the most wonderful stories. I send my love and condolences to his family. RIP dear Leonard.”
An Instagram message from Cheryl Fergison, who previously played Heather Trott, called Fenton “a lovely man and talented actor.”
An EastEnders spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened to hear Leonard has passed away. He created a truly iconic character in Dr Legg, who will always be remembered. Our love and thoughts are with Leonard’s family and friends.”