Stage and screen star Graham Crowden dies, aged 87

SCOTS actor Graham Crowden, best remembered for the medical drama A Very Peculiar Practice and sitcom Waiting for God, has died at the age of 87.

Though known for comedy-drama roles, Crowden began as a Shakespearean actor, appearing on the big screen, television, stage and radio, in a career that stretched over seven decades.

Born and brought up in Edinburgh, he lived in London for much of his life but had returned to his birthplace with his wife, actress Phyllida Hewat, several years ago. He died on Tuesday following a short illness.

Among some of the many films he appeared in were director Lindsay Anderson's iconic satirical trilogy of If..., O Lucky Man! and Britannia Hospital as well taking roles in Out of Africa and the Bond movie For Your Eyes Only. During the 1970s, Crowden turned down the chance to succeed John Pertwee as Dr Who. Unable to commit the amount of time required by the part, he recommended Tom Baker for the role instead.

His daughter, actress Sarah Crowden, said: "His legacy lives on. He did so much work that there's something of his on almost all the time somewhere in the world."