Yahoo News 'To The Manor Born' star Peter Bowles has died aged 85
To The Manor Born star Peter Bowles has died at the age of 85.
The actor — best known for playing Richard DeVere in the hit BBC sitcom — had been battling cancer.
A statement to the PA news agency said: “The actor Peter Bowles has sadly passed away at the age of 85 from cancer.
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“Starting his career at the Old Vic Theatre in 1956, he starred in 45 theatrical productions ending at the age of 81 in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre.
“He worked consistently on stage and screen, becoming a household name on TV as the archetypal English gent in To The Manor Born, Only When I Laugh, The Bounder and Lytton’s Diary, which he devised himself.
“He leaves his wife of over 60 years, Sue, and their three children Guy, Adam and Sasha.”
Piers Morgan was among those to pay tribute.
Sharing a picture of the late actor, he tweeted: "RIP Peter Bowles, 85.
"Wonderful actor who exuded roguish British charm. Loved him in To The Manor Born, Lytton’s Diary & The Bounder.
"Sad news."
RIP Peter Bowles, 85.
Wonderful actor who exuded roguish British charm. Loved him in To The Manor Born, Lytton’s Diary & The Bounder. Sad news. pic.twitter.com/VSFHQmhS7f— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 17, 2022
Actor Scot Williams posted: "Peter Bowles has died.
"I will remember him most for H.A.P.P.Y. Always watched that as a kid."
Peter Bowles has died. I will remember him most for H.A.P.P.Y. Always watched that as a kid. pic.twitter.com/WBei9KYhsi
— Scot Williams (@scotwilliams) March 17, 2022
Bowles was born in London in 1936 and his parents were servants of nobility, with his father working for one of the sons of the Earl of Sandwich and his mum employed by the heir of the Duke of Argyll in Scotland.
He got started on the stage and played villains in TV series including The Avengers and The Saint. He also appeared on the big screen in films such as Eyewitness, Colour Me Kubrick, and The Bank Job.
But he really made his name alongside Dame Penelope Keith in To The Manor Born, which aired from 1979 to 1981 and was a huge success.
His recent jobs include 2018 drama film Together and comedy Off The Rails, which was released last year.
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From 2016 to 2019 he played the Duke Of Wellington in Victoria.
Additional reporting by PA.
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