British actor Tim Pigott-Smith has died aged 70. Best known for his Bafta-wining role as Ronald Merrick in The Jewel in the Crown, Pigott-Smith’s early acting career included roles in classic Doctor Who.
His first role was in 1971 adventure The Claws of Axos where he played a small role as Captain Harker in a Master-centric story featuring the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee) and Jo Grant (Katy Manning).
Tim’s next turn in Doctor Who was in 1976’s Fourth Doctor/Sarah-Jane adventure The Masque of Mandragora in which he played 15th century Italian, Marco.
Tim was made an OBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours for services to drama.
His agent John Grant said, “It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Tim Pigott-Smith died this morning. Much-loved and admired by his peers, he will be remembered by many as a gentleman and a true friend. He will be much missed.”
