RIP Edward Woodward

Edward Woodward, the star of films including "Breaker Morant" and "The Wicker Man," died Monday. He was 79. Woodward, who starred at "The Equalizer" on television, died in a hospital in Cornwall after an illness, said Janet Glass of the Eric Glass Ltd. agency in London. Born on June 1,1930 in Croydon,
Surrey, England, U.K. Woodward's career began in 1946 in a regional production of "A Kiss for Cinderella," Woodward played roles in productions ranging from the popular British soap opera "Eastenders" to productions of Shakespeare, and at least 40 films for theater or television. His last film appearances were in "Hot Fuzz" in 2007 and "Congregation of Ghosts," now in post-production. He also recorded several albums including "Love is the Key" in 1977 and "The Jewel that was Ours" in 1994. "I think I've probably more television than any actor living," Woodward said in a 1987 interview with The Associated Press. "I've done over 2,000, could be 3,000 now, television productions."

"I suppose there is also the feeling that it is the largest medium by far for information, education and above all, entertainment," he added. "And after all, that's what an actor's life is all about. Getting work and entertaining people."
At the time, Woodward was promoting a U.S. television film of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," in which played the wicked slave owner, Simon Legree. He found the role strangely refreshing.
"If you are a British actor, you do lots of Shakespeare and lots of classical work. There is always a great actor who has just played your character," he said.
"Lucky for me, Simon Legree has not been done very often," he added.

Edward Woodward appeared in one Euro-western as Holstrom in “Charley One-Eye” (1972).