Original EastEnders cast member Leonard Fenton
(Picture: PA Media)EastEnders star Leonard Fenton has died aged 95, his family said.
The actor was best known for his role as Doctor Harold Legg in EastEnders.
His high-flying acting career spanned more than 60 years with the star working across TV, film and stage.
His grieving family revealed their heartache at his death.
A statement from his family said: “The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29. Best known for his role as Dr Legg on EastEnders, Leonard’s acting career spanned more than 60 years.
“He worked in TV and film and his long stage career included time at the National Theatre and most recently the Royal Shakespeare Company. He felt privileged to have worked with some of the greats of the theatre, including Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller.
“His passion for painting and singing pre-dated his acting career and was equally as important to him. He will be missed beyond words by his family.
“We feel incredibly lucky to have been able to be with him as his health worsened towards the end – a privilege denied to so many during these tough times.”
TV legend Mr Fenton made his first appearance on EastEnders in the soap’s first ever episode.
Over the years, he appeared in 267 episodes of the soap and his last scenes aired in 2019.
EastEnders paid tribute to the TV legend saying they were “deeply saddened” by the news of his death.
An EastEnders spokesperson added: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Leonard has passed away.
“Since appearing in the very first episode of EastEnders, Leonard created a truly iconic character in Doctor Legg who will always be remembered.
“Our love and thoughts are with Leonard’s family and friends.”
Tributes flooded in from the late legend’s EastEnders co-stars.
EastEnders actress June Brown, who played Dot Cotton - a regular patient of Dr Legg in the soap, recalled when she first met Mr Fenton.
She said in a statement: “I first met Leonard as Dr Legg when I joined the cast of EastEnders as Dot, his hypochondriac patient, in 1985. He was a charming man in all ways, first as a person and then as an actor, extremely polite and kind.
“I enjoyed working with him enormously for many years and missed him when he retired. I was glad that I’d been with him for his last scene with Dot at his bedside and my thoughts are with his devoted family.”
Natalie Cassidy added: “I had the pleasure to work with Leonard. He was utterly charming, continuously joked with me and loved talking about his past. I feel honoured that our paths crossed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Gillian Taylforth said: “I’m so sorry to hear the very sad news about Leonard. He was a lovely, charming man who was so kind and always told the most wonderful stories. I send my love and condolences to his family. RIP dear Leonard.”
