Edward Woodward was a renowned English actor and singer who had a long and distinguished career on stage, screen and television. He was best known for his roles in the cult horror film The Wicker Man, the Australian war drama Breaker Morant, and the American spy series The Equalizer. He won several awards and accolades for his performances, including a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and an OBE. He died on November 16, 2009, at the age of 79, from pneumonia. This article will explore the life and death of Edward Woodward, and the legacy he left behind.
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Early Life and Career
Edward Woodward was born on June 1, 1930, in Croydon, Surrey, England, to Edward Oliver Woodward, a metalworker, and Violet Edith Woodward (née Smith). He was an only child and grew up during the Blitz, when his home was bombed three times. He attended various schools in Surrey and London, and showed an interest in acting and singing from an early age. He joined the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) at the age of 16, and made his professional debut in 1946 at the Castle Theatre in Farnham. He then worked in repertory companies across England and Scotland, playing mostly Shakespearean roles. He made his London stage debut in 1955 in R.F. Delderfield’s Where There’s a Will, which he also reprised in his first film role. He also appeared in films such as Becket and Young Winston, but gained more fame on television, especially as the title character in the spy series Callan, which ran from 1967 to 1972. He won a BAFTA for his role as the cynical and ruthless agent who worked for a shadowy government organization. He also starred in several musicals and plays on Broadway and in the West End, showcasing his singing talent and versatility.
The Wicker Man and Breaker Morant
In 1973, Woodward starred in one of his most iconic and memorable roles, as Police Sergeant Neil Howie in the British horror film The Wicker Man. Directed by Robin Hardy and co-starring Christopher Lee, the film tells the story of a devout Christian policeman who investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, only to discover that the islanders practice a pagan cult that involves human sacrifice. Woodward’s performance as the righteous and naive Howie, who is lured into a deadly trap by the sinister Lord Summerisle (Lee), is widely regarded as one of the best in horror cinema. The film has become a cult classic and has influenced many other filmmakers and genres. In 1980, Woodward played another acclaimed role, as Lieutenant Harry Morant in the Australian film Breaker Morant, directed by Bruce Beresford. The film is based on the true story of three British soldiers who were court-martialed and executed for war crimes during the Boer War. Woodward’s portrayal of Morant, a charismatic and defiant officer who defended his actions as following orders, earned him critical praise and international recognition. He was nominated for an Australian Film Institute Award and a Golden Globe for his performance.
The Equalizer and Later Career
In 1985, Woodward moved to the United States and starred in the television series The Equalizer, created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. He played Robert McCall, a former intelligence agent who offers his services as a vigilante for people in need of justice. The show was a hit and ran for four seasons, from 1985 to 1989. Woodward won a Golden Globe and was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his role as McCall, who used his skills and contacts to help his clients, often with the aid of his former colleague Mickey Kostmayer (Keith Szarabajka). The show also featured guest stars such as Adam Ant, Telly Savalas, Christian Slater, and Macaulay Culkin. Woodward continued to work in film and television after The Equalizer ended, appearing in projects such as Over My Dead Body, The House of Angelo, Deadly Advice, and La Femme Nikita. He also returned to the stage, playing roles such as King Lear, Julius Caesar, and Willy Loman. He also recorded several albums of songs and poetry, and narrated many audiobooks.
Illness and Death
Woodward suffered from various health problems in his later years, including diabetes, angina, and prostate cancer. He had a triple bypass surgery in 1996, and a pacemaker fitted in 2003. He also contracted pneumonia several times, which weakened his immune system. In 2009, he was hospitalized in Cornwall, where he lived with his second wife, actress Michele Dotrice, and their daughter, Emily. He died on November 16, 2009, at the age of 79, from pneumonia. He was surrounded by his family, including his three sons from his first marriage, Tim, Peter, and Sarah, who are also actors. He was cremated and his ashes were buried in Padstow Cemetery, near his home. His death was mourned by his fans and colleagues, who paid tribute to his talent and personality. Christopher Lee, who co-starred with him in The 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.” Simon Pegg, who cast him in his film Hot Fuzz, said: “He was a delight to work with, and delivered a characteristically touching and layered performance. Edgar Wright and myself sought him out because we were fans of his work, by the time the cameras stopped rolling, we were devoted fans of the man.”
Legacy and Influence
Edward Woodward was a versatile and charismatic actor who left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. He was known for his distinctive voice, his expressive face, and his ability to play complex and conflicted characters. He was also a talented singer and a generous mentor to younger actors. He was honored with several awards and honors, including an OBE in 1978, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009, and a BAFTA Fellowship in 2010. His work has inspired and influenced many other artists and genres, especially in the fields of horror, thriller, and spy fiction. His films and shows have been remade, parodied, referenced, and homaged by many others, such as The Simpsons, The X-Files, Hot Fuzz, and The Wicker Tree. He is also remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend, who had a warm and witty personality. He once said: “I’m not in the business of being a star, a personality, or a leading man. I’m an actor, and I try to play parts as varied as possible.” He succeeded in doing so, and left behind a rich and diverse legacy of performances that will continue to entertain and inspire generations to come.
