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Stars pay tribute to Whitby's charming gentleman Ian Carmichael
STARS of stage and screen have paid heartfelt tributes to one of Britain's best-loved actors, Ian Carmichael, who died peacefully at home in Grosmont on Friday.
The 89-year-old had a long and glittering career encompassing film, television, stage and radio.
He was best-known for his roles as gentleman Bertie Wooster in the World of Wooster and Lord Peter Wimsey in several drama series based on the mystery novels by Dorothy L Sayers.
He made his name in the 1950s in a string of films for the Boulting Brothers including Private's Progress, Brothers in Law and I'm All Right Jack.
In 2000, he joined ITV's cast of The Royal as hospital secretary Mr Middleditch and took part in filming as recently as just last year.
Mr Carmichael, who was awarded an OBE in 2003 in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, lived in Grosmont with his second wife, novelist Kate Fenton (55).
She said he was suffering from blood clots in his lungs and fell ill over Christmas and spent a month in hospital in Whitby and Scarborough.
He died at home in front of the fire with his two daughters Lee and Sally, his wife and their dogs.
"He sat down and it was just instant. He didn't suffer and that was a great blessing," she said.
"Ian loved this part of the world with a passion. He has been here for 30 years now, God knows, I've been with him 25 of those.
"We are not having a grand memorial service in London. It will be here, where we live, and where our hearts are."
Among those who held Mr Carmichael in high esteem was chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson.
He said: "He was a charming man and a very good comedy actor.
"At one time he was one of the biggest box office stars in British movies."
Former broadcaster Neil Durden-Smith knew the veteran actor through their work for the Lord's Taverners cricket-based charity work.
He said: "He had a twinkle in his eye, a wonderful sense of humour.
"He had that love of people, he gathered people around him like other people gather butterflies or postage stamps."
Executive producer of The Royal, Keith Richardson called the veteran star, who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Whitby Gazette's Pride of Whitby Awards in 2007, a "terrific professional to work with" who was full of life.
Closer to home Mr Carmichael carried out charity work across the Whitby area and was patron of Glaisdale's Esk Valley Theatre.
Co founders Sheila Carter and Mark Stratton became friends with the actor and his wife 17 years ago when they first moved to the village.
Ms Carter said: "Some people act as patrons in name only, but with Ian we got the best kind.
You can pay tribute to Ian or send a message to his family by commenting on this story below. He helped our young company not only with sponsorship, but with his time and efforts.
“On one occasion he wrote a wonderful letter of support to the Arts Council, with a memorable line saying that "Coming across the Esk Valley Theatre was like coming across a space-ship on the North York Moors.
“He appreciated the rare nature of what we were trying to do and the difficulties we faced in establishing a theatre event here in Glaisdale.
“He came to every production and always took time to stay behind and talk to the actors, who were usually dumbstruck as they came face to face with one of the finest actors of his generation.
“After every production we were always thrilled to receive a card from Ian, with his trademark words of kindness and support. He was a fine actor, a true gentleman and a charming man.
“We feel privileged to have known him.”
A service of thanksgiving will be held for Mr Carmichael at St John the Evangelist Church in Sleights on Wednesday 17 February at 2pm followed by a private family cremation at Scarborough.
As well as his wife, he also leaves two daughters, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
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Saturday 19 May 2012
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