Veteran actor Leslie Phillips has died at the age of 98. The star became a household name after appearing in a string of films and TV shows.
He was known for his posh accent, upper class roles and a string of catch phrases - especially "ding dong" as the sight of any beautiful young woman. Others included "well hello" and also "I say" gaining him the onscreen reputation of being a bit of a letch.
According to The Mirror the star died on Monday with his death confirmed on Tuesday. It is reported he died following a long battle with ill health after he previously suffered two strokes, just six months apart, when he was 90.
His agent Jonathon Lloyd confirmed the news to the PA News Agency saying he died "peacefully in his sleep yesterday, aged 98."
Phillips was known for his role in several Carry On films but starred in dozens of other movies across a range of genres. He was in Harry Potter where he played the sorting hat.
His career took him through more than 200 films, TV and radio shows which spanned eight decades. He was also well known for his theatre roles after first appearing on stage when he was just 14.
Despite his incredible film and TV accolades, Phillips was best known for his role in the 'Carry On' and ‘Doctor’ comedy films in the 1950s and 60s. While he only starred in four of the 31 ‘Carry On’ movies, Phillips confessed that his famous catchphrases including 'Well hello', and 'I say', followed him for the rest of his career.
Earlier this year, Phillips opened up about surviving two strokes eight years ago. At the time, he told The Mirror: “I’m too young to pop off just yet. I’ve got everything to live for."
The actor suffered the stroke on a bus near his home in Maida Vale, north London on the way back from shopping on Oxford Street. It was his wife, Zara Carr, who ultimately ended up saving his life.
Phillips survived the ordeal because his wife, who is 36-years his junior, sounded the alarm early. Doctors said he wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for his wife's fast response
