British Actor Edward Woodward Dies

By our guest blogger, Rob Stammitti

Edward Woodward, star of the British horror classic "The Wicker Man" and co-star in the recent action-comedy "Hot Fuzz," has died at the age of 79 after an extensive battle with pneumonia and other severe illnesses.

Total Film provided an excerpt of the sad announcement from Woodward's agent, Janet Glass:

"'Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.

'His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives,' she added."

I'm sorry to say I'm not familiar with Woodward beyond the two films mentioned above, but his performance in "The Wicker Man" is among the best I've seen in a horror film. He brought a severe sternness to the role, something Nicolas Cage was unable to replicate in the remake of the film from 2006, and he conveyed a sense of wonder and eventually hopelessness that is strongly felt throughout the film.

Active from 1955 to his death, Woodward not only worked in film but in stage and television as well. He was involved in several Shakespearean productions and he starred in the CBS TV series "The Equalizer" from 1985 to 1989. He has also made numerous appearances in British TV since then, most recently joining the cast of the BBC soap opera "EastEnders."

Hopefully, this sparks an interest in those who didn't know much about his work. He was a wonderful actor, and he'll certainly be remembered by many.

Source.