Actor Frank Windsor who starred in Z-Cars, Eastenders and Softly, Softly dies at the age of 92 'surrounded by family'

  • Frank Windsor passed away 'peacefully' aged 92 at his home in London on Wednesday, his agent said
  • Actor's career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in Z-Cars, Softly Softly, Casualty and Peak Practice
  • Windsor studied at London's Central School of Speech and Drama, then based at London's Royal Albert Hall
  • There will be a private cremation for the British actor, who is survived by his daughter Amanda and wife Mary  Actor Frank Windsor who starred in Z-Cars, Eastenders and Softly, Softly actor has died at the age of 92 'surrounded by his family', his agent confirmed today.
    In a career spanning some 50 years, the much-loved actor worked mostly in television with roles in Casualty, EastEnders, ITV drama Peak Practice and Doctor Who.
    But he was perhaps best known for playing Detective Sergeant John Watt in the BBC series Z-Cars, which was set in the fictional town of Newtown, based on Kirkby in Lancashire.
    He played DS Watt in Z-Cars from 1962 to 1965 and later appeared in spin-offs Softly, Softly and Softly, Softly: Taskforce from 1966 to 1976.
    The popular show offered an alternative to the police procedurals of the time, with a darker tone and a northern setting, when many were based in southern England.
    It ran for more than 800 episodes and featured a cast of stars including Stratford Johns as Detective Inspector Barlow and Brian Blessed as 'Fancy' Smith.
    In 1997, Windsor's son David was killed aged just 29, in a road crash alongside a female companion, Denise Rothwell, 32.
    In 2000, Windsor appeared in the poignant ITV drama Anchor Me, portraying a man whose family refuses to admit their feelings over the accidental death of his character's son.
    Speaking at the time, he said the role had prompted him to confront his own son's death.
    Paying tribute to Windsor this afternoon, fellow Doctor Who actor Toby Hadoke tweeted: 'Terrific actor - a fine classical thesp who brought earthy naturalism to TV drama. RIP #frankwindsor'.
    English actor Samuel West added: 'Just heard the sad news that Frank Windsor has died at the age of 92. 
    'We worked together on a great adaptation of Len Deighton’s BOMBER. He was brilliant in it - as he was in everything, really.'
    Windsor's agent said today the actor died at his home in London on Wednesday.
    Windsor, pictured sitting inside the car, with the cast of the Z-Cars series (from left to right: Sarah Aimson, James Ellis, Colin Welland, Joseph Brady, Brian Blessed and Donald Gee)
    Windsor, pictured sitting inside the car, with the cast of the Z-Cars series (from left to right: Sarah Aimson, James Ellis, Colin Welland, Joseph Brady, Brian Blessed and Donald Gee)
    Windsor, pictured right, and Stratford Johns, pictured left, in the Softly Softly crime series
    Windsor, pictured right, and Stratford Johns, pictured left, in the Softly Softly crime series 
    The cast of the television programme Softly Softly. Left to right: David Lloyd Meredith, Peter Clough, Normal Blower, Frank Windsor, Walter Gotell, Malcom Rennie and Nigel Humphrys with Phillippa Howell
    The cast of the television programme Softly Softly. Left to right: David Lloyd Meredith, Peter Clough, Normal Blower, Frank Windsor, Walter Gotell, Malcom Rennie and Nigel Humphrys with Phillippa Howell
    British actor Windsor pictured with his wife at the 25th Rudolph Valentino Awards
    British actor Windsor pictured with his wife at the 25th Rudolph Valentino Awards
    Frank Windsor and Anne Sharp pictured above in My Late Lamented Friend and Partner, the pilot episode of  the1969 series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)
    Frank Windsor and Anne Sharp pictured above in My Late Lamented Friend and Partner, the pilot episode of  the1969 series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)
    A statement from his agent said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our much-loved client Frank Windsor at the age of 92.
    'Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020.
    'Born Frank W Higgins on July 12 1928, his acting career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in Z-Cars, Softly Softly, Casualty and Peak Practice.
    'Frank is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who was by his side until the end.
    'As per Frank's wishes and in keeping with Covid restrictions, there will be no funeral or memorial service, just a private cremation with his ashes being laid to rest with his beloved son David.
    'Our thoughts are with his family and friends.'  
    Windsor is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who his agent said were both 'by his side until the end'. His ashes will be laid to rest with his son David
    Windsor is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who his agent said were both 'by his side until the end'. His ashes will be laid to rest with his son David
    Actor Windsor, left, and comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor in a sketch from the episode 'Scoutrageous' of the BBC television seris 'The Goodies' in November 1977
    Actor Windsor, left, and comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor in a sketch from the episode 'Scoutrageous' of the BBC television seris 'The Goodies' in November 1977
    Windsor in 'The Fifteen Streets' alongside Clare Holman and Billie Whitelaw
    Windsor in 'The Fifteen Streets' alongside Clare Holman and Billie Whitelaw
    Frank Windsor with his 1958 Standard Pennant Motor Car. His agent said today: 'Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020'
    Frank Windsor with his 1958 Standard Pennant Motor Car. His agent said today: 'Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020'
    Frank Windsor starring as James Selsey in the ITV Crown Court series in 1979
    Frank Windsor starring as James Selsey in the ITV Crown Court series in 1979
    Frank Windsor as Harry Bradley in Love and Marriage in 1986
    Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]
    Left, Frank Windsor as Harry Bradley in Love and Marriage in 1986. Right, In Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased] in 1969
    Windsor attended Queen Mary's Grammar School, Walsall, before going on to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama, then based at the London's Royal Albert Hall. 
    His final film role came in 2000 as Mr Walker in Between Two Women. 
    Windsor's other appearances include an Age of Kings, A for Andromeda and the London Connection. Actor Frank Windsor who starred in Z-Cars, Eastenders and Softly, Softly actor has died at the age of 92 'surrounded by his family', his agent confirmed today.
    In a career spanning some 50 years, the much-loved actor worked mostly in television with roles in Casualty, EastEnders, ITV drama Peak Practice and Doctor Who.
    But he was perhaps best known for playing Detective Sergeant John Watt in the BBC series Z-Cars, which was set in the fictional town of Newtown, based on Kirkby in Lancashire.
    He played DS Watt in Z-Cars from 1962 to 1965 and later appeared in spin-offs Softly, Softly and Softly, Softly: Taskforce from 1966 to 1976.
    The popular show offered an alternative to the police procedurals of the time, with a darker tone and a northern setting, when many were based in southern England.
    It ran for more than 800 episodes and featured a cast of stars including Stratford Johns as Detective Inspector Barlow and Brian Blessed as 'Fancy' Smith.
    In 1997, Windsor's son David was killed aged just 29, in a road crash alongside a female companion, Denise Rothwell, 32.
    In 2000, Windsor appeared in the poignant ITV drama Anchor Me, portraying a man whose family refuses to admit their feelings over the accidental death of his character's son.
    Speaking at the time, he said the role had prompted him to confront his own son's death.
    Paying tribute to Windsor this afternoon, fellow Doctor Who actor Toby Hadoke tweeted: 'Terrific actor - a fine classical thesp who brought earthy naturalism to TV drama. RIP #frankwindsor'.
    English actor Samuel West added: 'Just heard the sad news that Frank Windsor has died at the age of 92. 
    'We worked together on a great adaptation of Len Deighton’s BOMBER. He was brilliant in it - as he was in everything, really.'
    Windsor's agent said today the actor died at his home in London on Wednesday.
    Windsor, pictured sitting inside the car, with the cast of the Z-Cars series (from left to right: Sarah Aimson, James Ellis, Colin Welland, Joseph Brady, Brian Blessed and Donald Gee)
    Windsor, pictured sitting inside the car, with the cast of the Z-Cars series (from left to right: Sarah Aimson, James Ellis, Colin Welland, Joseph Brady, Brian Blessed and Donald Gee)
    Windsor, pictured right, and Stratford Johns, pictured left, in the Softly Softly crime series
    Windsor, pictured right, and Stratford Johns, pictured left, in the Softly Softly crime series 
    The cast of the television programme Softly Softly. Left to right: David Lloyd Meredith, Peter Clough, Normal Blower, Frank Windsor, Walter Gotell, Malcom Rennie and Nigel Humphrys with Phillippa Howell
    The cast of the television programme Softly Softly. Left to right: David Lloyd Meredith, Peter Clough, Normal Blower, Frank Windsor, Walter Gotell, Malcom Rennie and Nigel Humphrys with Phillippa Howell
    British actor Windsor pictured with his wife at the 25th Rudolph Valentino Awards
    British actor Windsor pictured with his wife at the 25th Rudolph Valentino Awards
    Frank Windsor and Anne Sharp pictured above in My Late Lamented Friend and Partner, the pilot episode of  the1969 series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)
    Frank Windsor and Anne Sharp pictured above in My Late Lamented Friend and Partner, the pilot episode of  the1969 series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)
    A statement from his agent said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our much-loved client Frank Windsor at the age of 92.
    'Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020.
    'Born Frank W Higgins on July 12 1928, his acting career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in Z-Cars, Softly Softly, Casualty and Peak Practice.
    'Frank is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who was by his side until the end.
    'As per Frank's wishes and in keeping with Covid restrictions, there will be no funeral or memorial service, just a private cremation with his ashes being laid to rest with his beloved son David.
    'Our thoughts are with his family and friends.'  
    Windsor is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who his agent said were both 'by his side until the end'. His ashes will be laid to rest with his son David
    Windsor is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who his agent said were both 'by his side until the end'. His ashes will be laid to rest with his son David
    Actor Windsor, left, and comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor in a sketch from the episode 'Scoutrageous' of the BBC television seris 'The Goodies' in November 1977
    Actor Windsor, left, and comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor in a sketch from the episode 'Scoutrageous' of the BBC television seris 'The Goodies' in November 1977
    Windsor in 'The Fifteen Streets' alongside Clare Holman and Billie Whitelaw
    Windsor in 'The Fifteen Streets' alongside Clare Holman and Billie Whitelaw
    Frank Windsor with his 1958 Standard Pennant Motor Car. His agent said today: 'Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020'
    Frank Windsor with his 1958 Standard Pennant Motor Car. His agent said today: 'Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020'
    Frank Windsor starring as James Selsey in the ITV Crown Court series in 1979
    Frank Windsor starring as James Selsey in the ITV Crown Court series in 1979
    Frank Windsor as Harry Bradley in Love and Marriage in 1986
    Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]
    Left, Frank Windsor as Harry Bradley in Love and Marriage in 1986. Right, In Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased] in 1969
    Windsor attended Queen Mary's Grammar School, Walsall, before going on to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama, then based at the London's Royal Albert Hall. 
    His final film role came in 2000 as Mr Walker in Between Two Women. 
    Windsor's other appearances include an Age of Kings, A for Andromeda and the London Connection. He was also considered for the roles of Ratcliffe in Doctor Who: Remembrance of the Daleks: Part one and Dr. Armstrong, Sir Percy Heseltine and the Fatherly Guard in Lifeforce. 
    Z-Cars offered an alternative to the police procedurals of the time, with a darker tone and a northern setting, when many were based in southern England. 
    Windsor worked mostly in television across his five-decade career, securing roles in Casualty, EastEnders, ITV drama Peak Practice and Doctor Who. 
    English actor Samuel West tweeted: 'Just heard the sad news that Frank Windsor has died at the age of 92. 'We worked together on a great adaptation of Len Deighton’s BOMBER. He was brilliant in it - as he was in everything, really'
    English actor Samuel West tweeted: 'Just heard the sad news that Frank Windsor has died at the age of 92. 'We worked together on a great adaptation of Len Deighton’s BOMBER. He was brilliant in it - as he was in everything, really'
    Anne Sharp and Frank Windsor in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), episode one 'My Late Lamented Friend and Partner' in 1969
    Anne Sharp and Frank Windsor in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), episode one 'My Late Lamented Friend and Partner' in 1969 
    Z Cars: Moira Armstrong (left), Robert Keegan, Frank Windsor (second right) and Brian Blessed (right)
    Z Cars: Moira Armstrong (left), Robert Keegan, Frank Windsor (second right) and Brian Blessed (right)
    The 1986 drama 'Love and Marriage' with Anne Stallybrass as Jean Bradley, Prue Clarke as Rita Bradley and Frank Windsor as Harry Bradley
    The 1986 drama 'Love and Marriage' with Anne Stallybrass as Jean Bradley, Prue Clarke as Rita Bradley and Frank Windsor as Harry Bradley
    Windsor as Peter Wilson and Maggie O'Neill as Dr Alex Redman in 'Peak Practice' in 2001
    Windsor as Peter Wilson and Maggie O'Neill as Dr Alex Redman in 'Peak Practice' in 2001
    Annette Crosbie and Frank Windsor in the ITV drama, Anchor Me
    Annette Crosbie and Frank Windsor in the ITV drama, Anchor Me 
    He appeared on the show This Is Your Life in December 1975 when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews to revisit highlights from his career.
    His final film role came in 2000 as Mr Walker in Between Two Women.  
    He once said: 'In Anchor Me, the mother has kept the cork in the bottle and I recognised that, personally.
    Frank Windsor and Michael Elphick in British television crime drama Boon in 1991
    Frank Windsor and Michael Elphick in British television crime drama Boon in 1991
    Windsor in the landmark of British TV drama 'The Fifteen Streets', an adaptation of Catherine Cookson's novel alongside Clare Holman
    Windsor in the landmark of British TV drama 'The Fifteen Streets', an adaptation of Catherine Cookson's novel alongside Clare Holman
    Windsor in Revolution, the 1985 British historical drama film directed by Hugh Hudson, written by Robert Dillon, and starring Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland
    Windsor in Revolution, the 1985 British historical drama film directed by Hugh Hudson, written by Robert Dillon, and starring Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland
    Windsor was one of the stars of the 1980s TV series, Love and Marriage
    Windsor was one of the stars of the 1980s TV series, Love and Marriage
    Actors Stratford Johns, left, and Windsor, right, holding a skull, promoting their show 'Second Verdict' at BBC Television Centre in London in May 1976
    Actors Stratford Johns, left, and Windsor, right, holding a skull, promoting their show 'Second Verdict' at BBC Television Centre in London in May 1976
    Actors Catherine Shipton and Windsor in a scene from the episode 'Allegiance' of the BBC television series 'Casualty' in 1991
    Actors Catherine Shipton and Windsor in a scene from the episode 'Allegiance' of the BBC television series 'Casualty' in 1991
    Windsor, pictured left, in the BBC television police series Z-Cars
    Windsor, pictured left, in the BBC television police series Z-Cars 
    'When our son died my wife took counselling - I didn't. I'm not that sort of person. I can't unburden myself to a total stranger, it doesn't work for me.
    'I think these things do need to be talked about and they need to be shown on television.
    'But it was one of the things that made it very, very difficult, wondering whether to do this show in the first place.'

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