Gareth Forwood was a British actor who appeared in many films, television shows and stage plays. He was also the son of Glynis Johns, a legendary actress who starred in classics like Mary Poppins and The Court Jester. Gareth had a successful career as a character actor, but he also faced some personal challenges and health issues. He died in 2007 at the age of 62, leaving behind his wife and son. What was the cause of his death and what was his life like? Here is a brief overview of Gareth Forwood’s biography and death.
Early Life and Education
Gareth Forwood was born on October 14, 1945, in Marylebone, London. He was the only child of Glynis Johns and Anthony Forwood, who were both actors and socialites in the postwar era. His parents divorced in 1948 when he was three years old, and he lived with both of them at different times. His father was in a long-term relationship with actor Sir Dirk Bogarde, and they lived together at Beel House, a Grade II* listed building in Amersham. Gareth inherited a noble lineage from his father’s side, as his great-great-grandfather was the founder of the Forwood Baronetcy. On his mother’s side, he was the fifth generation to act on stage, as his maternal grandmother was also an actress.
Gareth attended several prestigious schools, such as Ludgrove School, Stowe School, Chilton Cantelo School and Millfield School. He showed an interest in acting from an early age, despite his mother’s attempts to dissuade him from the stage. He made his stage debut in 1964, playing The Prince in Nicholas Stuart Gray’s Beauty and the Beast at the Castle Theatre in Farnham.
Career Highlights
Gareth made his professional television debut in 1965, appearing in three episodes of The Wednesday Play, a series of one-off plays. He also made a guest appearance in the sitcom The Golden Age in 1967 and made his cinematic debut in Jack Gold’s The Bofors Gun in 1968. He went on to appear in many other films, such as Gandhi (1982), King Ralph (1991), The Remains of the Day (1993) and The Madness of King George (1994). He also had roles in several television shows, such as Detective (1968), The Jazz Age (1968), The Pallisers (1974), The Duchess of Duke Street (1976-1977), Mother Love (1989), Electric Moon (1992) and The Buccaneers (1995). He was known for his versatility and ability to play different characters, often in period pieces or adaptations of classic novels.
Gareth also continued to perform on stage, appearing in many plays, such as Charley’s Aunt (1971-1972), Anastasia (1976), The Deep Blue Sea (1977), The Importance of Being Earnest (1982), The Cherry Orchard (1989) and The Miser (1995). He worked with many renowned actors and directors, such as Laurence Olivier, Richard Attenborough, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson and Helen Mirren. He was praised for his acting skills and charisma, and he enjoyed his work immensely.
Personal Life and Death
Gareth married Veronique Lecoq, a French woman, in 1973. They had a son, Thomas, who was born in 1975. Gareth was a devoted father and husband, and he loved his family dearly. He also had a close relationship with his mother, Glynis, who supported him throughout his career and life. He often visited her in Los Angeles, where she lived in her later years.
Gareth retired from acting in 2000, after a successful career that spanned over three decades. He decided to focus on his personal life and hobbies, such as gardening, painting and reading. He also became involved in charity work, supporting causes such as animal welfare, environmental protection and children’s education.
However, Gareth’s health began to deteriorate in the early 2000s, as he was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent several treatments and surgeries, but the disease was aggressive and spread to other parts of his body. He suffered a heart attack in 2007, which proved to be fatal. He died on October 16, 2007, in London, two days after his 62nd birthday. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in his garden.
Gareth’s death was a shock and a tragedy for his family, friends and fans. He was remembered as a talented, kind and generous person, who lived his life with passion and joy. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a loving family. He was survived by his wife, Veronique, his son, Thomas, and his mother, Glynis, who died in 2020 at the age of 97.
