Edward Woodward RIP
Peter Hoskin 1:23pm
It may seem strange – unthinking, even – to mark someone's passing with one of the most unsettling and brutal death scenes in cinema history. But in Edward Woodward's case it's entirely apt. The actor died today, aged 79 – and here is the final scene from 1973's The Wicker Man, which features at once the highpoint of Woodward's defining screen performance and the demise of his character, Police Sergeant Howie. Like his roles in TV series like The Equalizer and Callan, it remains as testament to a wonderful but unassuming talent.
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Scott Shearer
November 16th, 2009 3:36pm Report this commentI saw him in 1986 at the Old Vic as Falstaff in Henry IV Parts 1 & 2. When he came on stage for the third play of the day as the narrator at the beginning of Henry V, he received a lengthy ovation before he even opened his mouth. What a wonderful actor he was. Will be much missed.
anne allan
November 16th, 2009 4:47pm Report this commentCallan was brilliant. That swinging light bulb and eerie music really set the scene.
Austin Barry
November 16th, 2009 7:54pm Report this commentOne of his best TV performances circa. 1976 was as Ed, the closeted homosexual businessman in Orton's Entertaining Mr. Sloane. A masterly performance.
THX1138
November 16th, 2009 8:15pm Report this commentOf course he also dies at the end of Breaker Morant. Welcome back Pete.
Roberto Lonely Callan
November 16th, 2009 8:55pm Report this commentI am really saddened to hear of Edward's death.
We were HUGE fans of Callan when we were growing up in the 80s, watching the re-runs on Channel 4. And then came The Equalizer. Black jag, music from Stewart Copeland and the mysterious Control working for 'The Company.' Brilliant!
I always wondered whether Robert McCall was as hard as David Callan. I'm afraid it had to be the latter. Sorry Americans!
I hope all the Callans are now restored for a DVD release as a tribute to Edward's acting ability. Pure genius.
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