Actor Warren Mitchell, best known for playing politically incorrect comedy character Alf Garnett, has died aged 89.
A statement from the Till Death Us Do Part star’s family said: “Sadly we can confirm Warren Mitchell died in the early hours of Saturday November 14 surrounded by his family.
Warren Mitchell and wife Connie (PA Wire)
“He has been in poor health for some time, but was cracking jokes to the last.”
Social media was flooded with tributes following the news of the TV star’s death.
Just got the news my great uncle Warren Mitchell (aka Alf Garnett) died last night. The last of his generation, wonderful and funny man RIP
— Jerry Barnett (@jerrybarnett) November 14, 2015
Alf Garnett was one of the most influential and important characters and performances in comedy history. RIP Warren Mitchell
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) November 14, 2015
RIP Warren Mitchell. A deeply soulful and erudite man who genuinely loved the theatre.
— rupertgoold (@rupertgoold) November 14, 2015
Another fan wrote: “Sad to hear of the death of Warren Mitchell. Socialist through and through, terrific actor and inspiration #RIP”
Born Warren Misell in north London’s Stoke Newington, he served in the Royal Air Force and then went on to read physics at University College, Oxford.
Warren Mitchell as Alf Garnet (right) in the comedy series ‘Til Death Do Us Part with Anthony Booth as son in law Mike, Una Stubbs as daughter Rita and Dandy Nichols as Else during the recording of an episode of the show. (PA Wire)
He never finished the course and took up acting in 1951 at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
His role as Alf Garnett was his big break, and the controversial character came to be much-loved by the British public.
He began playing the character Alf Garnett at the age of 40 in 1966 and appeared in more than 50 episodes until the programme ended in 1975.
He returned as Alf Garnett in the BBC series In Sickness and in Health, which ran from 1985 to 1992 and then in The Thoughts of Chairman Alf in 1998.
He also received critical acclaim for other roles. He won Olivier Awards for his stage performances in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman in 1979 and The Price in 2004.
He also appeared in TV shows including Gormenghast, Lovejoy, Waking The Dead and Kavanagh QC.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
