TV STAR DEAD
Peter Bowles dead at 85 – To The Manor Born star dies of cancer
TO The Manor Born star Peter Bowles has died aged 85 after battling cancer.
Bowles played Richard DeVere in the BBC sitcom between 1979 and 1981.
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He returned as the self-made businessman alongside Dame Penelope Keith in a 2007 special.
Bowles' agent Gavin Barker confirmed the tragic news in a statement today.
He said: "The actor Peter Bowles has sadly passed away at the age of 85 from cancer.
"Starting his career at the Old Vic Theatre in 1956, he starred in 45 theatrical productions ending at the age of 81 in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre.
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"He worked consistently on stage and screen, becoming a household name on TV as the archetypal English gent in To The Manor Born, Only When I Laugh, The Bounder and Lytton's Diary, which he devised himself.
"He leaves his wife of over 60 years, Sue, and their three children Guy, Adam and Sasha."
Tributes have already been paid to the star led by Piers Morgan.
He said: "RIP Peter Bowles, 85. Wonderful actor who exuded roguish British charm.
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"Loved him in To The Manor Born, Lytton’s Diary & The Bounder. Sad news."
Bowles began his career on stage with the Old Vic Company after winning a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
He had roles as a villain in TV shows including The Avengers and The Saint.
The actor also starred in Only When I Laugh, Lytton's Diary, The Bounder and Perfect Scoundrels.
Bowles was best known for playing moustached businessman Richard DeVere in To The Manor Born alongside Dame Penelope.
He also appeared in films such as 1970's Eyewitness, 1995's The Steal, 2005's Colour Me Kubrick, and 2008's The Bank Job.
He also starred in BBC Two series Murder in 2016 and recently appeared alongside Jenna Coleman in the popular ITV series Victoria.
Speaking about his success in sitcoms, he said in 2010: "If you have a great popular TV success, particularly in comedy, people don't think you can act on stage.
"People thought I was just a sitcom actor and the BBC told me I'd never work in drama again.
"I didn't realise there were two worlds. It was new to me. I found it very odd and frustrating."
Bowles was born in London in 1936 but grew up in one of the poorest areas of Nottingham.
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His dad was a valet and chauffeur to one of the sons of the Earl of Sandwich, while his mum was nanny to the heir of the Duke of Argyll in Scotland.
Bowles was married to actress Susan Bennett and the couple had three children.
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