‘Torchwood’ & ‘Phantom Of The Opera’: Murray Melvin Dead At 90
Tragic news as British actor Murray Melvin was confirmed dead at the age of 90 a few days ago. His face is one that is well known as he had amassed over 100 credits to his name during his career in Hollywood. Some of the more notable names on his resume included Torchwood, Phantom of the Opera, A Taste of Honey, and Barry Lyndon.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the British actor passed away on Friday, April 14th. Considering his age, his fans assume he likely passed of natural causes related to aging.
Murray Melvin lived a long and full life kicking off his career of entertaining back in the 50s when he was in his 20s. From a fairly young age, he always had a spark for entertaining and he seemingly seized every opportunity in life to further his acting career.
As fans mourn this saddening death, take a closer look at the life he lived.
Murray Melvin Dead At 90: His Career
Born in London on August 10, 1932, Murray Melvin made his debut in the acting world in 1957. He got his start during a production of Macbeth at the Theatre Royal Stratford with the Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop Company running the show.
Just three years later, he went on to make his film debut in The Risk. He later landed some pretty memorable roles including The Phantom of the Opera, Torchwood, and Barry Lyndon.
It, however, was his starring role in A Taste of Honey that really put him on the map. He landed the role of Geoffrey Ingham, a gay textile design student. He co-starred with Rita Tushingham. And, he ended up receiving the Cannes Film Festival best actor award back in 1962 for his performance. This same performance also resulted in a nomination for “promising newcomer” for a BAFTA Film Award.
In 1964, he found his way to Broadway and landed roles in Oh, What a Lovely War! and The Solider’s Tale.
It's with great sadness that I have to announce the death of Murray Melvin – actor, director and theatre archivist. pic.twitter.com/0PXn2sBbWp
— Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE (@1KerryMichael) April 15, 2023
Despite being 90 years old, this talented man was still actively working in Hollywood. He had just wrapped up filming for a movie called The Undertaker back in November. And, he was prepping to start filming a movie called The Ghost of Harold Wilson next month.
Many Celebrities Paid Tribute To Him
With over 100 credits to his name, Murray Melvin has worked with a number of celebrities over the years. John Barrowman, the star of Torchwood, was among the first to take to social media to pay tribute to the late actor. John noted that Murray always had a way of lighting up the set with his smile.
Murray Melvin, he always brought a cheeky warm smile to the Torchwood set and had the power to make us all laugh. What a glorious career and life but he will always be my ‘Bilis Manger servant of Abaddon’ RIP Murray.”
Murray Melvin: actor, director, Theatre Workshop alumnus, archivist and beautiful man, died yesterday. He was 90. I was so lucky to call him my friend. I saw him the day before he died and he was always full of amazing stories from his life. I will miss him so much. pic.twitter.com/9tb40MDRPt
— Samira Ahmed (@SamiraAhmedUK) April 15, 2023
The tributes continued to pour in as celebrities opened up about feeling lucky enough to get the chance to work with him.
As death announcements go this is a real kicker. I don't use the word lightly to say he was a total legend.Was more than lucky enough to work with him on a couple of occasions & was due to be doing so again this year.The loveliest,most immaculate man & great co. RIP #murraymelvin pic.twitter.com/L6R8vI89Tw
— Lisa Bowerman (@TheLisaBowerman) April 15, 2023
Rest in peace, Murray Melvin.
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