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Heartbeat actor Bill Maynard dies aged 89

From Digital Spy

Actor and comedian Bill Maynard – arguably best-known for his role in ITV's Heartbeat – has sadly passed away at the age of 89.

News of Maynard's death was confirmed earlier today (March 30) by his daughter-in-law Jacqueline Reddin.

In a statement (via the BBC), Reddin said the actor had died in hospital in Leicestershire, shortly after breaking his hip in a recent fall.

Paying tribute to her late father-in-law, Reddin said: "He was larger than life and he just loved showbiz. He was so proud of the fact that he had been working for 81 years."

Photo credit: Express - Getty
Photo credit: Express - Getty

[Bill Maynard pictured in 1970]

Maynard, whose most recent role was in 2017's drama The Moorside, was perhaps best-known for his eight-year turn as Claude Jeremiah Greengrass in long-running police drama Heartbeat.

Bill – real name Walter Williams – made a name for himself across a number of comedy series and films, including Oh No, It's Selwyn Froggitt!, In Sickness and In Health and a number of the iconic Carry On! titles.

[Bill Maynard as Selwyn Froggitt]

Outside of the entertainment business, Bill also tried his hand at singing and even took part in the British heat of the 1957 Eurovision Song Contest.

In an equally surprising move, the actor and comedian also ventured – albeit briefly – into the world of politics, standing against Tony Benn in a 1984 by-election as an independent candidate.

Bill is survived by two children – a daughter and a son – five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.


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