'Fawlty Towers' star Nicky Henson dies at the age of 74
Fawlty Towers, EastEnders and Downton Abbey actor Nicky Henson has died aged 74.
The TV and film star had been battling cancer for many years, but it was confirmed today (December 16) that he had passed away.
A family statement read: "Nicky Henson has died after a long disagreement with cancer."
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Henson spoke to PA news agency about his illness last year, saying: "For the last 18 years, I've regarded myself as 'being in extra time', which I never expected to have, so I'm very thankful for it."
The actor will be remembered for his role as Mr Johnson in John Cleese’s classic sitcom Fawlty Towers, a hotel guest who falls out with Cleese’s character Basil Fawlty while trying to sneak a woman into his room.
He stayed good friends with Cleese and once joked that his tombstone would one day read: “Here lies Nicky Henson – he was in one episode of Fawlty Towers.”
Raising a glass to that wonderful actor Nicky Henson. From Fawlty Towers to Vera Drake, from the RSC to Psychomania, he was unfailingly superb. I once had the honour of directing him as a werewolf in a Doctor Who audio drama for @bigfinish. A brilliant actor and a delightful man. pic.twitter.com/dX9ciOqQOT
— Nicholas Pegg (@NicholasPegg) December 16, 2019
He also appeared in EastEnders as the father of Honey Mitchell, played by 2019 Strictly finalist Emma Barton, and was entertainer Charles Grigg in Downton Abbey.
Henson is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, former ballet dancer Marguerite Porter.
The couple had a son together, and he was also father to two other sons from his first marriage, to Sherlock star Una Stubbs.
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As well as his TV work, film credits to Henson’s name include Vera Drake and Syriana.
The star also made a huge contribution to theatre as a founder member of The Young Vic and with various stage roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre.
His other talents included a three-year contract writing songs for The Shadows and Cliff Richard, and recording his own pop song in 1961.
The actor Ian Ogilvy posted a tribute to his friend on Facebook, writing: "After an illness which started twenty years ago, and which was born with great fortitude and good humour, my oldest and dearest friend, my mate Nicky Henson, has gone."
