Edward Woodward Dead: 'Equalizer' Star Dies At 79

LONDON — Edward Woodward, the star of films including "Breaker Morant" and "The Wicker Man," died Monday. He was 79.

Woodward, who starred at "The Equalizer" on television, died in a hospital in Cornwall after an illness, said Janet Glass of the Eric Glass Ltd. agency in London.

He won an Emmy Award in 1990 for "Remembering World War II" and a Golden Globe in 1987 for "The Equalizer," which ran for 88 episodes from 1985 to 1989 on the U.S. network CBS.

In a career that began in 1946 in a regional production of "A Kiss for Cinderella," Woodward played roles in productions ranging from the popular British soap opera "Eastenders" to productions of Shakespeare, and at least 40 films for theater or television.

His last film appearances were in "Hot Fuzz" in 2007 and "Congregation of Ghosts," now in post-production.

He also recorded several albums including "Love is the Key" in 1977 and "The Jewel that was Ours" in 1994.

"I think I've probably more television than any actor living," Woodward said in a 1987 interview with The Associated Press. "I've done over 2,000, could be 3,000 now, television productions."

"I suppose there is also the feeling that it is the largest medium by far for information, education and above all, entertainment," he added. "And after all, that's what an actor's life is all about. Getting work and entertaining people."

At the time, Woodward was promoting a U.S. television film of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," in which played the wicked slave owner, Simon Legree. He found the role strangely refreshing.

"If you are a British actor, you do lots of Shakespeare and lots of classical work. There is always a great actor who has just played your character," he said.

"Lucky for me, Simon Legree has not been done very often," he added.

Woodward is survived by his second wife, actress Michele Dotrice, their daughter, and two sons and a daughter from his first marriage, which ended in divorce.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.

Comments

[Nebris]

=*/

[connorin]

favorite Equalizer moment...he is slamming some guy up against the wall saying, "You are DIRTY! You make everything you touch DIRTY!"...also loved the Jag

[Iwpach]

='[
I don't even celebrate Chritsmuch but he did a great job as the ghost of Christmas Past in the George C Scott version of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol"

[connorin]

Being a huge Equalizer fan as a kid, I always refer the that George C Scott Christmas Carol as "an Equalizer Christmas". He had that great booming stagework voice for the last line of his character in that movie..."Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?"

[Pema]

prayers for the family. may this journey prove a good one

[joefoss]

=So long, "Breaker." You were an elegant addition to your craft.
Your mellifluous voice, by itself, brought dignity to your every project.
=I look forward to catching "Breaker Morant" next time it pops up on cable and listening, once again, to your pleasing tenor in song and your forthright defense of the Bushveldt Carbineers and their adherence to "Rule 303"!

[karma13612]

Oh what a loss. Edward Woodward was a great actor, and I really never got to see much of his work other than The Equalizer. That was a terrific show. Loved it.

Edward can rest easy knowing that he worked hard during his life, and he deserves all the accolades he received.

[superlive]

Ahh...THE WICKER MAN!

Best ever argument for losing male virginity in horror cinema: disqualifies you from being the human sacrifice.

[talkinblues]

A loss, to be sure. His work will last because "Breaker Morant" will live as long as people watch films. And "The Wicker Man," with Edward Woodward plus Christopher Lee, will last as well. The ending of the latter film, as someone already wrote, is as disturbing as anything in cinema. (They actually set that thing on fire with him in it. He said he was freezing because of the time of year, plus the animals above him were losing control of their bladders from fear--no one around in those days to monitor treatment of the poor creatures.) Woodward's performance in that film is stellar. With everything else that film has going for it, and it is considerable, it is Woodward who carries it.

[96Bravo]

R.I.P. to a really fine actor. I loved THE EQUALIZER and he really made that series what it was. But I always enjoy watching him every year as the best Ghost of Christmas Present in my favorite version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. That's the one from 1984 featuring George C. Scott as Scrooge. If you haven't seen it, you MUST check it out!

[IllinoisTexan43]

Back in the day, "The Equalizer" was must see tv for our family, and to this day, "The Wicker Man" is still a genuinely chilling movie to watch. RIP, Mr. Woodward.

[Fool4Jazz]

What a marvelous actor he was! I've always enjoyed Mr. Woodward's role as the Ghost of Christmas Present in the film of A Christmas Carol that starred George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge.

[Jorge Al-Subbad]

I liked The Equalizer too..and the astringent tough guy Brit character that Edward Woodward played always cracked me up... he was like the anti-Phil Collins in the anti-Miami Vice world of the show. Great Eastwoodian stuff there. I recorded the George C. Scott a Christmas Carol the year it was on and while it isn't drop everything yearly viewing... I certainly watch it if I have the opportunity. I'm also intrigued by the Wicker Man... one of those movies I meant to see and look forward to seeing now. He did loads of other work that fans of British TV will recognize. R.I.P. Edward Woodward!

[towercrane147]

Few films have affected me as profoundly as Breaker Morant, not even Schindler's List or Paths of Glory. Woodward was an excellent choice for that powerful role.

This fell sergeant, death, is strict in his arrest. (Hamlet, Act V, Sc. II )

[MissingAmerica]

I will always be a fan of this man's works. He was brilliant in everything I saw him in, and "The Equalizer" was one of my favorites. He had such class. How sad this man is gone. Godspeed, Edward. Condolences to his family and friends.

[olddognewtrick]

Loved the Equalizer. Watching Chrisopher Walken in Man On Fire seemed like both characters were cut from the same bolt...

[flurryup]

We could use a real equalizer these days.