Murray Melvin dead at 90 – Star of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood and Phantom Of The Opera dies as tributes flood in
LEGENDARY star of The Phantom of the Opera, Murray Melvin, has sadly passed away aged 90.
The much loved actor was also recognised for his main role in Torchwood, a Doctor Who spin-off.
Kerry Kyriacos Michael, a London based Creative Director, announced the death on Twitter in a post which read: "He had a fall in December, from which he never fully recovered.
"He died at St Thomas' Hospital on Friday, 14th April, aged 90. He was one of my closest friends and will be missed by so many of us who had the privilege to know him."
Tributes have poured in following the respected actor and author's death.
Screenwriter and producer Russel T Davies shared his condolences, and said: "Murray Melvin, bless him, he played the wonderful villain in Torchwood, Bilis Manger, and he loved it! But what a career!
"He created the great, gay Geoffrey in A Taste of Honey, on stage and on film. Tons of work with Joan Littlewood and Ken Russell. Amazing. Such a gent.
"He lived through a century that saw the understanding of his identity change so profoundly, and he did so with dignity, class and wit."
Others have shared heart felt messages, Samira Ahmed wrote: "Actor, director, Theatre Workshop alumnus, archivist and beautiful man, died yesterday.
"He was 90. I was so lucky to call him my friend. I saw him the day before he died and he was always full of amazing stories from his life. I will miss him so much."
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"Murray Melvin always had time for us in the youth theatre and always championed us to succeed in the business", agreed another.
"This is a really sad loss x My love to his family and friends x RIP Murray I know you will be treading the boards up there for the big man."
One fan wrote: "A very sad loss of a very talented man with a wonderful legacy. Thank you, Murray Melvin. Rest well."
"An incredibly lovely, funny, witty, hugely intelligent and talented man! So sorry to read this news", penned another.
The iconic TV star has worked with big names throughout his successful career, including Joan Littlewood, Ken Russell and Stanley Kubrick.
He wrote two books demonstrating his passion for the industry, The Art of Theatre Workshop and The Theatre Royal, A History of the Building.
Born August 10, 1932, in St Pancras, London, Melvin is perhaps best known for his roles in The Phantom of The Opera, 2004, A Taste of Honey, 1961 and Barry Lyndon 1975.
