British actor Patrick Macnee, best known for his long-running role as The Avengers’ John Steed, has died at the age of 93.
NewsPatrick Macnee, fondly remembered as the actor behind dapper gentleman spy John Steed in Sydney Newman’s The Avengers (1961–1969) and The New Avengers (1976-1977), has passed away at the age of 93.
Macnee died at his Southern Californian home, in the company of his family, who are very much in our thoughts today.
Before Macnee embedded suave John Steed’s bowler hat and whangee-handle umbrella firmly into sixties British culture, the actor had roles in a score of television, film and stage productions, from Shakespeare to Sherlock Holmes to Bond, having begun his career as an extra at the age of sixteen.
Macnee also served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. But it was opposite co-stars Diana Rigg, Honor Blackman, Ian Hendry and more in The Avengers that Patrick Macnee became a famous face around the world.
Macnee’s enviably long career continued all the way into his eighties with a number of guest, voice and recurring roles across several television series, films, and audio books.
To you, sir, a Champagne toast. Rest in peace.