Accomplished actor Edward Woodward died today, November 16, 2009 at 79 years of age. This is a loss to the world of entertainment as Woodward has starred in 36 movies, 16 stage productions, 7 made-for-TV films, 14 TV specials and 21 television series since the year 1955. Woodward was originally a Shakespearean stage actor though many people know Woodward for his work in the films The Wicker Man (1973) and Breaker Morant (1980). He was offered a cameo role in the 2006 remake starring Nicolas Cage but declined the offer. His latest appearances on film were in the movies Hot Fuzz and A Congregation of Ghosts (scheduled for release in 2010).
Woodward was interested in acting and journalism since he was a child. He was torn between acting and playing football professionally as a young adult. Woodward received a knee injury and wasn’t able to play football for a year which freed more of his time for acting. He made his stage and film debuts in 1955 with the play and the movie Where There's A Will! Woodward went on to star in many plays from England and Scotland to Australia and gained much popularity for his acting performances.
Woodward was well known for his role on the 1960’s hit spy series Callan followed by many smaller roles until his next successful show. He was cast as a former British intelligence operative in the 1980’s television series The Equalizer. His performance in this show gained him the 1987 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Dramatic TV Series. His acting in The Equalizer also earned Emmy Award nominations for each year from 1986 to 1990. Woodward has appeared on television so many times that in 1987 he told The Associated Press, "I think I've probably done more television than any actor living".
Woodward had many health problems. He was stricken with a heart attack during the third season of The Equalizer. They had his character become injured on the show so Woodward would have the chance to recuperate after his hospitalization. He later suffered another heart attack in 1996 and underwent triple bypass surgery. He was informed that he had prostate cancer in 2003. Woodward died today at the Royal Cornwall Hospital with pneumonia after being sick for months.
Woodward’s agent Janet Glass told BBC that he is "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humor throughout his illness.” Robin Hardy, the director of Wicker Man, said, “He was one of the greatest actors of his generation, without any question, with a broad career on American television as well as British film…He was the absolute star of The Wicker Man. He was an extremely nice human being."
Despite all of his health problems Woodward remained focused and never gave up on his acting career. He fulfilled his dreams to the best of his ability with acting, singing, writing poetry, recording audio versions of books, singing as a tenor and boating. He is survived by his wife Michele Dotrice his and three children Peter, Tim and Sarah who are also actors. His many fans are showing their respects all over the Internet with hopeful wishes for his family and blogs about his many achievements.
