Actor Harry Towb dies

Irish-born actor Harry Towb whose stage and screen career spanned more than 60 years has died, it was confirmed today.

Mr Towb passed away peacefully in his London home yesterday after battling cancer for a short time.

He was 83-years-old.

Born in Larne, Co Antrim, the star grew up in Belfast and began his acting life in the Irish fit-ups, travelling around the country with different theatrical groups.

He moved to England in the 1950s and started a distinguished career which included various stage, television and film roles.

As recently as December he appeared in 'EastEnders' as David, Janine Butcher’s elderly fiancee.

He is survived by his wife, actress Diana Hoddinott, children Emily, Daniel and Joshua, and three granddaughters.

Joshua said his father was a great family man who loved his work.

“He loved his family very much,” said Joshua.

“But he never like not to be working.

“He worked all the way through his illness as long as he could, right up until a few months ago.”

One of the actor’s biggest stage roles was in the National Theatre production of 'Brighton Beach Memoirs'.

He also performed in 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'Barmitzvah Boy', 'Death of a Salesman' and 'The Mandate'.

With the Royal Shakespeare Company Mr Towb helped bring 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'Travesties' to Broadway.

And back in his home town he most recently played Tiresias in 'Antigone' at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast.

At Dublin’s Abbey Theatre his plays included 'Philadelphia Here I Come', 'The Rivals' and 'The Importance Of Being Earnest'.

Elsewhere Mr Towb’s numerous television credits include 'Z Cars', 'The Avengers', 'Home James', 'Moll Flanders', 'Heartbeat', 'Casualty', and 'The Bill'.

He also took roles in the films 'The 39 Steps', 'Patton', 'Digby the Biggest Dog in the World', 'Carry On at Your Convenience', and 'The Most Fertile Man In Ireland'.