Jack Smethurst dead: Love Thy Neighbour actor dies aged 89, surrounded by family at home

Jack Smethurst, best known for starring in sitcom Love Thy Neighbour, has died aged 89.

The actor was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully, according to the Daily Star.

Jack played the bigoted Eddie Booth in the controversial 1970s comedy, alongside EastEnders star Rudolph Walker.

His son Adam announced Jack's death on Twitter and shared a series of photos from his life and acting career.

Adam wrote: "Today we said farewell to our dear Dad. He was much loved and brought joy to many. Our entire family give thanks to a long and fruitful life. Jack Smethurst 1932 - 2022."

The actor's agents, Pemberton Associates, added: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former client, Jack Smethurst. He had a very long career, appearing in many iconic films and series."

 

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/REX/Shutterstock (918780ie) 'Celebrity Squares' - ... The actor Jack Smethurst has passed away aged 89 beside his family at home

"He had thousands of amazing stories and was a genuinely lovely man," they continued.

Stars of British television shared their condolences, with Comedian Tommy Cannon, from Cannon and Ball, leading the tributes on Twitter.

He wrote: "Sending condolences to Jack Smethurst's family, our first panto season together xx."

John Altman, best known for playing "Nasty" Nick Cotton in EastEnders, added: "Saddened to hear that my old friend Jack Smethurst has passed away. He was great fun to work with.

Shutterstock ('Love Thy Neighbour' - Rudolph Walker, Jack Smethurst) Love Thy Neighbour actor

"I will always have fond memories of the times we spent together. May he rest in peace", he added.

Born in Manchester in 1939, Jack appeared in 1960s kitchen sink dramas such as A Kind of Loving and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, before he landed his most famous role.

Jack appeared in a number of beloved British TV films and dramas over his career too including A Kind of Loving and Carry on Sergeant.

However, fans will know him best from 1972, when he landed his best known role playing factory worker Eddie in Love Thy Neighbour. Eddie was a white socialist who is shocked when a black couple move in next door.

The character's racist language often contrasted with his wife Joan, played by Kate Williams, who had a more kind and welcoming attitude to their new neighbours.

The popular show had an audience of 17 million viewers a week at its peak in the mid '70s.

Jack returned to the theatre during the eighties and went on to star in the Victoria Wood comedy Dinnerladies in 1998.

In 2015, he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by The Heritage Foundation, for outstanding contribution to the arts and entertainment.

When asked in an interview at the time how he'd like to be remembered, Jack sweetly explained he'd want people to say, "he was a nice guy, he was harmless, he made people laugh ... yes, that'll do me."

He is survived by his wife Julie, four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Reference: OK: Matthew Browning