British Actor Edward Woodward dies in Cornwall at 79

Edward Woodward, the handsome, sophisticated British actor best known for his roles in Robin Hardy's The Wicker Man (1973) and Bruce Beresford's Breaker Morant (1980), has died in Cornwall at age 79. 

In addition to a distinguished film career, Woodward had a successful run in a number of American and British television series, including long-term lead roles in The Equalizer and Callan, recurring roles in Over My Dead Body and Le Femme Nikita, and, most recently EastEnders. His recent comic turn in Edgar Wright's Hot Fuzz was a parody of his Equalizer character, and the film also features a number of clever references to The Wicker Man, arguably Woodward's most famous film. Woodward also had a small but memorable role in 1984's A Christmas Carol, produced for television and starring George C. Scott as Scrooge. Woodward played the Ghost of Christmas Present, as a lusty, charismatic but menacing giant. 

Woodward was also an accomplished singer, appearing in prominent stage versions of Cyrano at London's National Theatre, and in the musical version of Noel Coward's play Blithe Spirit, retitled High Spirits, in which Woodward had a starring role on Broadway.

Woodward is remembered by many of his colleagues as a kind, warm man who told wonderful stories, as well as being a consummate actor. His distinguished career will long be remembered. In particular, his role as Sergeant Howie in The Wicker Man will be remembered for its complexity, subtlety and power. Howie is a repressive, seemingly cold-mannered police officer who eventually reveals stunning emotional depth and passion. Woodward's portrayal unfolds with delicious tension and suspense, as the film builds to its shocking ending.