Joss Ackland dies at 95

Prolific star passes away peacefully

by Amber Wilkinson

Joss Ackland
Joss Ackland Photo: UniFrance

Stage, screen and television star Joss Ackland has died at the age of 95.

A statement said that the star, whose credits include everything from Watership Down to A Zed & Two Noughts and Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey, died peacefully.

It added: “With his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Ackland brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his roles.”

“He will be remembered as one of Britain’s most talented and beloved actors.”

The London-born star began his film career in 1950 in Seven Days To Noon and work right up until recent years.

Among those paying tribute on social media was singer Elaine Paige.

She tweeted: "So very sad to hear actor Joss Ackland, who created the role of Juan Perón alongside me as Eva Perón in [the] original production of Evita, has died. A brilliant actor and a simply wonderful person. So kind & supportive. RIP dear Joss. You will be missed."

Ackland was married to his wife Rosemary, with whom he had seven children, for 51 years until her death in 2002.

Share this with others on...
News

Where crows are watching JP Davidson and Craig Russell on nature, belief, UK horror and The Cull

Truth and lies Sean Hogan on true crime documentaries, unknowable characters and The Dark Gets In

A walking contradiction Sinéad O'Shea on James 'Fergie' Chambers Jr and All About The Money

Unconventional families Milcho Manchevski on being blacklisted and making Sister Brother Manhole Cover

Expecting the unexpected Jordan Mark Windsor and Sean Wallace on Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant

Celluloid vampire Arthur Harari on Léa Seydoux, the mystery of ideas, and The Unknown

Patrick Stewart dies X-men and Star Trek actor was 86

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the Belfast Film Festival, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We're looking forward to the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, the French Film Festival and DOC NYC.



We've recently brought you coverage of Halloween Frightfest, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival, Newfest, the London Film Festival, the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest and Beyond Fest.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


Sundance Announces Legacy line-up of archive films


Frightfest Newcastle event announced for May 2027


French Film Festival UK Programme announced


Tallinn Black Nights Documentary line-up and Special Screenings announced


London Winners announced