Phantom of the Opera and Torchwood star Murray Melvin dies aged 90 after fall
Phantom of the Opera and Torchwood star Murray Melvin has died. He was 90.
The screen and theatre icon – who was acclaimed for his work in the Doctor Who spinoff series and worked alongside the likes of Michael Caine and Stanley Kubrick – died in hospital on April 14 following a fall from which he never fully recovered.
"It's with great sadness that I have to announce the death of Murray Melvin – actor, director and theatre archivist," creative director of Theatro Technis Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE announced on Twitter.
READ MORE: Twist as source reveals reason why Meghan declined Charles' coronation invite
Murray Melvin, who played famed Torchwood villain Bilis Manger, has died aged 90. BBC
Melvin also played Reyer in the 2004 film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera. Warner Bros. Pictures
"He had a fall in December, from which he never fully recovered. He died at St Thomas' Hospital on Friday, 14th April, aged 90," he continued.
"He was one of my closest friends and will be missed by so many of us who had the privilege to know him."
Doctor Who writer Russell T. Davies was one of the first to pay tribute to Melvin, writing on Instagram: "Murray Melvin (1932-2023), bless him, he played the wonderful villain in Torchwood, Bilis Manger, and he loved it! But what a career!"
READ MORE: Ugly heartbreak behind seemingly happy photo of ABBA
"He created the great, gay Geoffrey in A Taste of Honey, on stage and on film. Tons of work with Joan Littlewood and Ken Russell. Amazing. Such a gent," Davies continued.
"He lived through a century that saw the understanding of his identity change so profoundly, and he did so with dignity, class and wit. His last email to me ended, 'Take care, we still cannot afford to take chances.' Oh he was wise. Night, Murray."
Melvin was born on August 10, 1932, in London, and his breakthrough role was as Geoffrey in A Taste of Honey.
READ MORE: Mum slammed for naming baby after 'favourite snack'
The actor quickly became an integral member of Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop company, but that didn't mean he left the screen behind.
Melvin starred in 1966's Alfie alongside Caine, Kubrick's epic Barry Lyndon and he also appeared in the 2004 version of The Phantom of the Opera as Reyer, alongside Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum.
His most recent role was in The Lost City of Z in 2017 alongside Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson and Sienna Miller.
Most viewed in Celebrity
Country music star admits she was drunk during a concert she should have cancelled
Ally Langdon breaks down as she opens up about death of best friend Gavin Larkin
All the celebrity performances at the NFL Melbourne game – including the halftime show that almost didn’t happen
All the celebrities spotted at the historic first NFL match in Australia
