PaulG Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 Actor Patrick Macnee, star of The Avengers TV series, has died in California at the age of 93. The Briton, best known for playing John Steed in the 1960s television spy series, died at home with his family at his bedside, his son Rupert said. Macnee also played roles in theatre, appearing on Broadway, and served in the Royal Navy during World War Two. Born in London, Macnee grew up in Berkshire and was educated at Summerfields Preparatory School and Eton. At the age of the 11, he acted in Henry V opposite a young Sir Christopher Lee. He first appeared in the West End while still in his teens. He played a number of minor roles - including one in Laurence Olivier's 1948 film version of Hamlet - before rising to fame in the original Avengers series between 1961 and 1969. The series developed a cult following around the world, the BBC's Los Angeles reporter Peter Bowes said. Steed was known for his dress sense, always donning a bowler hat and carrying an umbrella, which doubled as a secret weapon. Macnee returned when that series was reprised as The New Avengers in the 1970s, appearing alongside Joanna Lumley's Purdey and Gareth Hunt's Mike Gambit. Later, he starred on Broadway in Anthony Shaffer's Sleuth, touring internationally with that play and several other productions He also appeared in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill, playing an ally of Roger Moore's Bond character, and was a guest star in dozens of British, American and Australian TV productions. Macnee had two children, son Rupert and daughter Kate Woodville, and one grandson. He was married three times, including to actress Katherine Woodville, with whom he acted in The Avengers. He had been a US citizen since 1959, according to the AP news agency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 93 wow - what a life he's had RIP Sir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulG Posted June 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 Another part of my Childhood has died I remember some of the first Avengers and later Purdy in her TR7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 RIP Mr. MacNee... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guinnessman Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 We had an umbrella that was just like his. It didn't have a sword in, but I sure pretended that it did. A hero. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 RIP Patrick. All our heroes are passing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 Very sad but what a full life he had. RIP Patrick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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