Actor Christopher Beeny has passed away at the age of 78.
The Last of the Summer Wine actor – who played Morton Beamish in the beloved BBC sitcom – died “in his armchair” at his home in Kent on Friday (03.01.20), according to his son Rick Blackman.
I have some sad news to impart. On friday 3rd of January my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent. He was 78. Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair. pic.twitter.com/e4GsvYtPVp
— Rick Blackman (@rickblackman01) January 7, 2020
Read more: Coronation Street and Last of the Summer Wine star Jean Fergusson dies aged 74
Revealing the sad news on Twitter this week, Rick wrote: “I have some sad news to impart. On Friday 3rd of January my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent.
“He was 78. Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair.”
Christopher rose to fame as footman Edward in 1970s ITV drama Upstairs, Downstairs after breaking through in BBC series The Grove Family in the 1950s.
The beloved star also appeared in the likes of Emmerdale and the BBC’s adaptation of Sense & Sensibility, while his other sitcom roles included The Rag Trade, Miss Jones and son and In Loving Memory.
.I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Dad brought us great joy, especially in Upstairs Downstairs which will always be a favourite. Was an absolute
honour to cast him in Emmerdale – something @m1ckeyjoe and I are proud of. My thoughts are with you and your family. Xx— Kathleen Beedles (@KathleenBeedles) January 7, 2020
Tributes have poured out on social media, with everyone paying their respects to the late actor following the sad announcement.
Emmerdale scriptwriter Kathleen Beedles tweeted: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Dad brought us great joy, especially in ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ which will always be a favourite.
Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair.
“Was an absolute honour to cast him in Emmerdale – something @M1ckeyJoe and I are proud of. My thoughts are with you and your family. Xx (sic)”
A fan responded to Rick’s post, writing: “So sorry your dad was part of my youth, my growing up and adult life.
Sorry to hear this sad news. Your dad was a constant on TV in my youth, very talented and part of our social culture. RIP Mr Beeny, love to you and your family and friends xx
— Melanie Berman (@MelanieBerman1) January 7, 2020
Read more: Tributes pour in as BBC radio presenter Stephen Clements dies aged 47
“A fine actor who never got the recognition he truly deserved. God bless him, to rest in peace eternal, condolences to you. (sic)”
Another fan paid tribute to Christopher’s comedic skills and described his talent as “a gift”.
So sorry. He made many people laugh. A gift. RIP Mr Beeny
— Susan Harris (@SusanHarris80) January 7, 2020
They tweeted: “So sorry. He made many people laugh. A gift. RIP Mr Beeny.”
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.