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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Tony Walton dead: Award-winning designer and director dies aged 87

One of Britain's most prolific designers of sets and costumes in Hollywood, Tony Walton, has died aged 87.

The veteran designed passed away on Wednesday following complications of a stroke.

His stepdaughter Bridget LeRoy confirmed his death on Facebook. She wrote: "A fond and loving farewell to the most fabulous stepdad and human being in the world. Love you forever, Tony Walton. Have a great trip."

Tony enjoyed a career which spanned over five decades and he was a three-time Tony Award winner for his set designs for Guys and Dolls, The House of Blue Leaves and Pippin.

He also won an Emmy for Death of a Salesman as well as an Oscar for the art and set decoration for All That Jazz.

He was credited on 20 films, including the 1964 Disney classic Mary Poppins, Murder on the Orient Express, Fahrenheit 451 and Deathtrap.

Julie Andrews and Tony Walton in 1965 (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

On Broadway, his credits included Chicago, The Real Thing, The Man Who Came to Dinner and Annie Get Your Gun.

In 1991, Tony was elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame.

Following news of his death, fans took to social media to share messages of condolence.

One Twitter user wrote: "Rest in Peace to the great Tony Walton. He was truly great creative force in Hollywood and on Broadway. Oscar, Emmy, and three time Tony winner."

Another said: "That's sad to hear, RIP TONY WALTON. A true legend of film industry is gone, RIP."

And a third commented: "Ahh s**t. RIP to my lovely friend Tony Walton. One of the sweetest kindest most talented men I’ve had the pleasure to work with on Prince of The City.

"Irreplaceable. I’m so sorry Jen."

The Museum Of Broadway also paid tribute to the “brilliant” designer on their official account.

Julie and Tony at the premiere of Sound of Music (Getty Images)

They wrote: "We mourn the loss of celebrated designer, Tony Walton.

"Tony was a brilliant scenic and costume designer whose work was seen on Broadway across five decades, winning three Tony Awards. Rest In Peace."

Tony was married to his childhood sweetheart Dame Julie Andrews from 1959 until their divorce in 1968.

He later married Gen LeRoy Walton and is survived by Gen as well as his daughters, Emma Walton Hamilton and Bridget LeRoy, and five grandchildren.

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