Why did Dennis Waterman leave Minder?
DENNIS Waterman's legacy long lives on in the iconic TV show Minder.
The role was one of the legendary actor's most famous characters, which is why some fans may question why he left the show.
Why did Dennis Waterman leave Minder?
Starring the late Dennis Waterman, Minder ran from 1979 until 1994 and was a huge hit with fans.
The actor played the lead role of bodyguard Terry McCann, AKA the minder, but shocked fans when he unexpectedly left the role in 1989.
The star decided to throw in the towel after series seven as he felt the character had done "everything he could do," according to the Minder fan-site.
It's also reported that Dennis thought that it was becoming harder for the writers to come up with plots as sharp as the earlier series.
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For series eight the character of Terry was replaced with Ray Daley, Arthur's nephew, played by actor Gary Webster.
What other TV shows was Dennis Waterman in?
Before Minder, Dennis became a household name in the 70s for playing DS George Carter in The Sweeney.
In later years he was also known for leading the line-up in New Tricks.
Away from these shows, Dennis famously starred in comedies On The Up and Stay Lucky in the nineties.
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Other TV credits include Moses Jones (2009), The Knock (1997 - 1999), The Barnstormers (1964), and Fair Exchange (1962 - 1963)
His movie roles include:
- Never Too Late (2020)
- Back In Business (2007)
- Sweeney! (1977)
- Sweeney 2 (1978)
- Scars of Dracula (1970)
- Up The Junction (1968)
Was Dennis Waterman married and did he have children?
During his life, Dennis was married four times, most famously to third wife Rula Lenska from 1987 to 1998.
This followed his marriages to actresses Penny Dixon from 1967–1976 and Patricia Maynard from 1977 to 1987.
Dennis remained married to his fourth wife Pam Flint until he sadly passed away in 2022.
Meanwhile, together with his second wife Patricia he had two children, daughters Hannah and Julia.
His eldest Hannah is also an actress and is best known for playing Laura Beale in EastEnders.