The actor Tom Georgeson, whose credits included Between the Lines and Boys from the Blackstuff, has died aged 88.
The Liverpudlian first found his footing as an actor after an appearance in the BBC’s Boys from the Blackstuff in 1982, which followed a set of men during the recession-hit Thatcher years.
He then went on to play supporting roles on other shows like Between the Lines, as well as Holby City, Doctor Who and The Bill and Brookside.
Georgeson’s family has paid tribute to the late star, describing his death as a shock.
The actor’s nephew, Danny Conway, told the Liverpool Echo: ‘I’m gutted because we weren’t expecting it. Last time I spoke to him he was in good health.
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‘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.’
He went on to say that his uncle had stayed closely connected to his roots through his on-screen success, adding that Georgeson was looked up to within the family circles for his good values.
He said: ‘There’s a strong socialist streak in the family. It’s a bit like Bill Shankly’s mantra.’
Details on his cause of death have not yet been released.
Georgeson had been living in London and is survived by his wife Prim and his children Richard and Roslyn.
Georgeson often played working-class characters, in a reflection of his own upbringing in Liverpool and a commitment to telling the stories people who had a start in life like his own.
His film credits include the diamond heist caper A Fish Called Wanda, in which he stars opposite John Cleese and his character’s name George Thomason was a play on his own.
He also appeared in Notes On A Scandal with Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett, for which both received Oscar nominations, about an inappropriate teacher-student relationship at a school.
In addition to his on-screen work, he had turned on stage. A spokesperson for the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres told the Mail of the actor’s death: ‘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.
‘In more recent times, Tom appeared in The Kindness of Strangers, Tony Green’s play created for the Everyman’s 40th birthday season in 2004.
‘He returned memorably to the Playhouse in the comedy When We Are Married, sharing the stage with Les Dennis and Jodie McNee.
‘In each of these roles, he brought the same depth, wit and humanity that defined his work across film, television and theatre.
‘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.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
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