Tributes have flooded in for British icon John Woodvine, who died "peacefully" at the age of 96, according to his agent. Alongside his role in Netflix's The Crown as the Archbishop of York, Woodvine also starred in the 1981 horror comedy An American Werewolf in London, and portrayed Detective Inspector Witty in the 1960s BBC police drama Z Cars. On Monday, (October 6), the actor's agent confirmed his death in a statement which read: "John was an extraordinary actor and had a fabulous and varied career in all areas of the industry including work on stage in over 70 productions including at the Old Vic, National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, and on screen in numerous roles including in Young Winston, An American Werewolf In London, Dragonworld, Persuasion, The Crown and most recently in the film Enys Men.
"John was greatly admired by all and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who met, knew and worked with him. We are all the richer to have known him," he added. Among his decades on screen, Woodvine's also appeared in Oliver's Travels, Doctor Who, as Marshal of Atrios, and starred alongside Joe Don Baker and Bob Peck in the mystery drama Edge Of Darkness. Alongside heartbroken fans, talent agency Belfield & Ward Ltd, who represented Woodvine, said: "We are sad to announce the passing of our client, the actor John Woodvine, who died peacefully at home at the age of 96 this morning. A wonderful and well loved actor, who will be much missed."
Read more: Rivals cast pay tribute to 'our queen' Jilly Cooper as author dies aged 88
Read more: Jilly Cooper's heartbreaking cause of death as devastated family 'left in shock'
Born on July 21, 1929, Woodvine got his start in the industry at a young age and trained for the stage at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 1953.
He enjoyed a long career with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in 1976, he performed as Banquo in Macbeth, alongside Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench.
Woodvine went on to win the prestigious Olivier Award for Comedy Performance of the Year in 1987 for his role in The Henrys at the Old Vic.
The actor was then embraced in British TV dramas as he had stints on Channel 4 as Frank Gallagher's dad, Neville on Shameless, as Joe Jacobs in ITV's beloved soap Emmerdale and then as PC Tony Stamp's father Norman in The Bill.
After playing a lorry driver in Coronation Street in 1965, Woodvine returned to the ITV series in 2010 to briefly play Charlotte Hoyle's father Alan before the role was recast with Michael McStay.
Among his longtime fans, one took to X/Twitter and penned: "John Woodvine was Malvolio in the first Shakespeare I ever saw on stage, an RSC Twelfth Night in 1980. A wonderful performance, my classmates and I’s sides ached with laughter. I am eternally grateful to him for that Induction. RIP."
Another added: "Oh that is such a sad loss. He was Falstaff in the first Shakespeare I ever saw at Stratford."
"Ah, no, John Woodvine has died. Really sad news, one of the best. A fixture. And still working on and off until a few years ago," said a third fan.
Woodvine is survived by his wife, actress Lynn Farleigh, and his children, Mary and Emma.
A previous version of this article made an erroneous reference to John Woodvine's agent making an announcement of his death on September 6. The reference has been amended to state the announcement was instead made on October 6. We are happy to clarify this.