Denis Waterman, legendary actor and star of Minder, The Sweeney and New Tricks, has died at the age of 74
Dennis Waterman, the legendary English actor best known for his roles on the television series Minder, The Sweeney and New Tricks, has died at the age of 74. Dennis’s death was confirmed in a statement from his family today, Sunday, May 8.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away peacefully at his home in Spain on Saturday night with Pam by his side. The family kindly asks that our privacy be respected at this very difficult time,” they said.
Born in Clapham, South London, though famous for appearing on our television screens in iconic police dramas, his incredible career spanned six decades. By the age of 13, he was a child actor and played numerous roles in stage productions.
Without a doubt, it was his role in the 1970s as DS George Carter in the epic police drama, The Sweeney, that really brought Dennis to British viewers’ attention.
Mr. Waterman then went on to star in another big TV show, playing bodyguard Terry McCann on Minder, alongside another legendary English actor, George Cole. The dramatic comedy was based on the activities of the criminal underworld in London. After the seventh season, Dennis left the show in 1989.
In 2003, Mr. Waterman found another big show on his hands when he landed the role of Gerry Standing in the crime drama New Tricks. This role lasted for more than a decade.
Another string on his bow was singing, releasing 12 singles and three albums. Dennis was also known for performing the theme songs for several of his television shows. This led to the amusing Little Britain spoof in which Matt Lucas played Dennis visiting his agent, David Walliams, looking for more roles, in which he insisted on singing the theme song.
“I grew up watching Dennis Waterman’s iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder,” wrote Matt Lucas as he paid tribute to the late actor.
“His appearance as a guest on our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo, in which he did a hilarious duet with his absurd impersonation of David, remains the absolute highlight of my career.”