Bleak House actor Tom Georgeson has died at the age of 88, his family has said.
The Liverpool-born star appeared in multiple films and TV shows in a decades-spanning career, making his first appearances on screen in the 1960s in ITV’s Armchair Theatre, an anthology of plays which ran for nearly two decades.
He then landed a role in Coronation Street, starring as Eddie Royle in the mid-1970s, before going on to appear in the likes of Bleak House – playing lawyer’s clerk Clamb in the BBC drama – and Holby City.
Georgeson’s nephew Danny Conway told the Liverpool Echo that the actor died in the early hours of Wednesday (18 March) morning.
“[I'm] gutted because we weren't expecting it,” he said. “Last time I spoke to him he was in good health. I woke up to that news today and it's just sad. I was really proud of him and felt lucky to have a famous uncle."
Georgeson was living in London and he is survived by his wife, Prim, and children Richard and Roslyn, the publication added.
In his early days on screen, the actor also appeared in Z Cars and Boys from the Blackstuff, a five-part drama by Liverpudlian playwright Alan Bleasdale.
Georgeson also appeared in multiple plays at the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres, which have shared a tribute to the star.
A spokesperson said: "We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Georgeson – a much‑loved Liverpool actor whose talent, generosity and unmistakable presence shaped so many moments on our stages since he first performed with us in the 1970s.”
“Tom was one of our city’s great actors, and we’re grateful and proud to have been an artistic home he returned to throughout his career,” the statement continued. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Georgeson’s other small screen roles included parts in police dramas The Bill and Ashes to Ashes, while on the big screen, he appeared alongside John Cleese in the 1988 film A Fish Called Wanda and 2006’s Notes on a Scandal, starring Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.
Fans have shared tributes on X, with one writing: “Wonderful actor and such a lovely, funny, kind man. RIP.”
“Known by most for his great screen work, to me he was a consummate actor for stage,” said another. “I was rehearsing a show in the room next door to Tom rehearsing Dealer’s Choice - never forgot his work and those coffee breaks in the sun.”
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