Christopher Benjamin dead: Legendary Doctor Who & Poldark actor dies aged 90 as family pay tribute to ‘beloved’ father
LEGENDARY Doctor Who actor Christopher Benjamin has died just weeks after his 90th birthday.
The "beloved" actor was also famously known for his stellar performance in Poldark.
His family spoke of their heartbreak and "great sadness" at the loss of Christopher who they said was "beloved" by everyone.
They fondly recalled his "extensive" career which spanned a staggering seventy years and encompassed theatre, radio, TV and film.
Referring to him as one the few remaining "old school" actors, their heartfelt tribute reflected on where it all started at Warminster school.
"He took part in school productions and excelled at acting, cricket and music, but not much else!"
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Announcing the news of his passing, publishing agency Fantom Events & Publishing posted on social media.
They wrote: “We’re very sad to hear the news of the passing of legendary actor Christopher Benjamin.
"Chris graced many productions with his talent, and we were very fortunate to work him on numerous occasions and it was always a pleasure. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.”
Fans paid their heartfelt respects under the post.
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"How sad. He was a wonderful man and always a pleasure to meet him. I hope he’s reunited with his old partner TrevorB. Jago and Litefoot forever," penned one.
Another wrote: "Sad news and he’s always stood out to me since I watched Dick Turpin and was such a pleasure getting to meet him a few years ago."
"So sad. What a true gentleman from the best period of the Doctor Who era," agreed a third.
One fan echoed: "So sad to hear. Finally got to meet him last year, he was a delight."
Christopher also made guest star appearances in British cosy crime dramas including Midsomer Murders, and Rosemary and Thyme.
In the 60s he was hailed for his iconic roles in Danger Man, The Forsyte Saga and The Prisoner.
His stellar career continued to boom throughout the 70s, with much-loved appearances in Ace of Wands, Doctor Who, Upstairs Downstairs, Poldark and Father Brown.
Fans who paid tributes to the actor also fondly recalled his character Sir John Glutton in Dick Turpin as the 80s rolled in.
The first half of the decade saw Christopher excel in productions including It Takes a Worried Man, and Minder, among many other.
Towards the late 80s, the prolific actor saw credits in The Return of Sherlock Holmes, Casanova, The Diary of Anne Franks, and Spymaker: The Secret Life of Ian Fleming.
And the actor didn't slow down there, despite three decades under his belt.
He appeared in The Tomorrow People, Pride and Prejudice, and Treasure Island among few in the 90s.
The actor featured in 11 productions throughout the noughties, including another Doctor Who role.
He was born on December 27, 1934 in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, in England.
He leaves behind his wife and fellow actress Anna Fox, with whom he lived in Hampstead, London after retiring.
The couple tied the knot in 1960 and share three children together.
Mr Benjamin was just 15 when he decided to pursue acting and dived into opportunities to join amateur dramatics classes.
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He completed two years of national service before being accepted into the prestigious acting, singing and dancing school RADA.
After graduation, the star began his career in repertory at the Manchester Library Theatre.
