Screen veteran Edward Woodward dies at 79
Edward Woodward has died after suffering from various illnesses
Veteran actor Edward Woodward, who was known for his roles in The Wicker Man and The Equalizer, died today.
The 79-year-old had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia, and died at the Royal Cornwall hospital in Truro, his agent said.
Janet Glass released a statement praising his 'brave spirit and wonderful humour'.
It said: 'Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.
'He was further sustained by the love of his wife, Michele, children, Tim, Peter, Sarah and Emily, his grandchildren and numerous friends.
'His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives.'
The Croydon-born actor, who recently starred in EastEnders, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 and underwent triple bypass surgery in 1996.
In March this year he made his Albert Square debut as Tommy Clifford over a drink in the Queen Vic.
Woodward, who found fame in the 1980s TV series The Equalizer as Robert McCall, claimed to be writing a book.
Veteran actor: Woodward starred in the 80s TV series the Equalizer
Originally a Shakespearean actor, Woodward became famous in the Cold War espionage thriller series, Callan, in the Seventies and has starred in a number of films, including The Wicker Man (1973) and Hot Fuzz (2007).
During his career, Woodward has appeared in over 2,000 television productions.
Woodward was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1978.
Loved him as The Equalizer 
mums all over the land will be doing a big heavy sigh . 79 not a bad age though.
We sort of claim him as ours, although he lived the 'wrong' side of the Tamar. I saved his wife a trip to the mechanic one winter when she parked outside the co-op and left her lights on. 
