Sad news to report on this Thursday afternoon as British character actor Patrick Macnee has passed away at the age of 93! The incredibly versatile actor will probably be best remembered for his role as “John Steed” in the 1960’s spy series, The Avengers. His family were at his bedside at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, where he died peacefully today, his son Rupert said in a statement published on Thursday on Macnee’s website.
Born in London, Macnee grew up in Berkshire and was educated at Summerfields Preparatory School and Eton.
At the age of 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 was used as a secret weapon.
Macnee was the epitome of a gentlemanly British actor, having appeared in over 150 films and television shows since the late 1930’s. Macnee also played roles in theatre, appearing on Broadway, and served in the Royal Navy during World War Two. He will be remembered most for his role in The Avengers, but he also appeared in a great many projects including his portrayal of a young “Jacob Marley” in what is widely believed to be the most beloved version of A Christmas Carol, starring Alastair Sim as “Ebenezer Scrooge” in 1951. He made appearances on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color (TV Series) 1959, Columbo (TV Series) 1975, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries (TV Series) 1978, The Sea Wolves 1980, A View to a Kill 1985 and many more.
As horror fans, we know Macnee from his number of crossovers into the genre including The Howling 1981, Waxwork 1988, Waxwork II: Lost in Time 1992, Masque of the Red Death 1989, Lobster Man from Mars 1989, War of the Worlds (TV Series) 1989, Transformations 1988, Comedy of Horrors (TV Movie) 1981, Battlestar Galactica (TV Series) 1978, and a great many more.
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.
All of us here at Horror Society would like to offer our deepest condolences to Patrick Macnee’s family and friends at this difficult time. Let’s tip our bowlers to Patrick one more time as you travel peacefully into the hereafter. You and your work will always be remembered!
Patrick Macnee 1922 – 2015 May you rest in peace!
