Dennis Waterman — the British actor famous for his roles in TV shows The Sweeney, Minder and New Tricks — has died, aged 74.
Waterman, who started acting as a child, became a household name playing Detective Sergeant George Carter in police series The Sweeney in the 1970s, followed by the role of Terry McCann in the hit comedy-drama Minder for a decade from 1979 and then, for 12 years until 2015, he was Gerry Standing in New Tricks.
His family released a statement announcing his death on Sunday.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully in hospital in Spain on Sunday afternoon with his wife, Pam, by his side," the family's statement read.
"The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
Former colleagues of Waterman's took to social media to pay their tributes.
Comedic actor Matt Lucas remembered Waterman's guest appearance in a Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo as "the absolute highlight of my career".
Born in London in 1948, Waterman was the youngest of nine children.
He began his acting career at a young age, and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company at the age of 12.
Waterman went on to marry Penny Dixon, a union that lasted nine years, then he married actress Patricia Maynard and their decade-long marriage produced two children, Hannah (an actress) and Julia.
He later married actress Rula Lenska and they stayed wedded for 12 years before his final marriage to Pam Flint in 2011.
In addition to his acting credits, Waterman was also known for his singing, releasing three albums in the 1970s and '80s.
He had a hit at home and elsewhere with the single I Could Be So Good For You, that rose to number three on the UK chart and number nine in Australia.
Waterman also sang the theme songs to many of his shows, and was caricatured by David Walliams in Little Britain.
Most recently, Waterman starred in the 2020 Australian film Never Too Late that was filmed in Adelaide.
Waterman's career in the public eye was not without its controversies.
He faced criticism after admitting to an incident of domestic violence on his third wife.
Waterman leaves behind his fourth wife, Pam, and two daughters from his second marriage.
