Actor Brian Jackson has passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91 following a battle with cancer.
Best known as the star behind the iconic Man from Del Monte adverts, Brian appeared in over 25 commercials throughout the 80s, as a sophisticated, fruit buyer who only selects the best.
"The Man from Del Monte, he says yes," was a catchphrase that became synonymous with the late actor thanks to the adverts.
Brian is said to have passed away peacefully at his home in London's West End on Saturday, July 2, 2022 with his wife and youngest daughter by his side, after previously being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Jo Jackson, his youngest daughter, proudly said: "The commercials paid for where we lived and my education, which I'm very grateful for.
"He also bought a yellow Jaguar with the money from one of the adverts because it reminded him of the bananas. He was very funny, had the most amazing anecdotes, and was a thespian until the end."
Brian was born in Bolton, Lancashire, in 1931 and started out as a Royal Naval press photographer before moving into the entertainment industry to work as an actor, director and producer.
He was a regular face and voice on TV and radio, with early appearances on screen including roles on The Avengers, The New Avengers and The Persuaders, alongside more recent cameos on Doctors and Casualty.
His warm, authoritative voice saw him narrate a number of documentaries and worked as a character actor regularly with BBC Radio Drama.
Brian kick-started the stage era of his career with seasons at the Old Vic, starring in productions such as Mary Stuart, Julius Caesar and Macbeath.
He went on to spend three years with the Royal Shakespeare Company where he starred in the award-winning original production of David Rudkin's Afore Night Come.
In addition to his acting career, the late actor owned and ran several TV Production and International Distribution companies from his photographic, film & recording studios at Hampden Gurney Studios complex at Marble Arch in London.
Paying tribute to Brian earlier this week, Stage Cricket Club took to Twitter to write: "Our Emeritus chairman Brian Jackson sadly passed away during the week aged 91.
"He was a very fine bowler of cutters & played in the Yorkshire leagues before embarking on a highly successful acting & producing career."
They added: "He was the original Man from Del Monte! A lovely man."
One sports fans replied with a sweet anecdote from their time meeting Brian.
"What a pity! Our fondest wishes to his family," they began on Twitter.
"He played many games at @mandbcc and was mentioned in Wisden for his innings with 12-year-old John Child in 2017, possibly the largest age-gap between the batters at each end.
"'The man from Del Monte, he say No run!'"
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