Acting great Tim Pigott-Smith, who starred in Doctor Who and Downton Abbey, has died aged 70. The highly-respected actor made his name in eighties TV series The Jewel in the Crown and went on to become a huge star of TV and theatre. His agent John Grant revealed the sad news: "It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Tim Pigott-Smith died this morning. Much-loved and admired by his peers, he will be remembered by many as a gentleman and a true friend. He will be much missed. We ask that you respect the privacy of his wife, the actress Pamela Miles, his son Tom and the family."
© Photo: Getty ImagesLate actor Tim Pigott-Smith with his actress wife Pamela Miles
Celebrities were quick to offer their condolences on social media. Comedienne Miranda Hart posted on her Twitter page: “So saddened by the news of Tim Pigott-Smith. What a fun, lovely, kind, brilliant gent. Was part of one of my fav Miranda eps. Oh we laughed.” Distinguished actor Kevin Spacey also paid tribute to his old friend: “Today a great actor left the stage. But more than that, a great man, a friend. A friend & one of the kindest I’ve ever known. RIP Tim Pigott-Smith.” Comic Jack Whitehall also shared his grief over the passing of Tim, who was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2017 honours. “So sad to hear that my friend Tim Pigott-Smith has passed away. He was such a kind and brilliant man. An incredible person.”
Tim started his life in Rugby, Warwickshire. After training as an actor he appeared in numerous plays, notably in King Lear and Sherlock Holmes as Watson, and on our TV screens he could be seen Doctor Who, The Vice and Lewis. Tim was also well-known in Hollywood with roles in many hit movies such as Alexander, Clash of The Titans, V for Vendetta and James Bond film The Quantum of Solace. In 1985 he won a BAFTA for Best Actor for his part in The Jewel in the Crown. The actor was due to appear this week as Willy Loman with his wife Pamela Miles in a touring production of Death of a Salesman. Pamela had withdrawn from the play after breaking a bone and needing surgery. Tim Pigott-Smith will be sorely missed by fans the world over.
