Z-Cars star Jimmy Ellis has died, aged 82.
The Northern Irish actor was best known for playing Bert Lynch in the police drama, which aired from 1962 to 1978.
He died following a stroke at Lincoln Hospital on Saturday morning (March 8).
His son Toto told BBC News of his father's death: "It was sad to watch him slip away. The last words he heard were that he was a hero, a legend and we all loved him.
"He blazed a trail for Northern Ireland actors, in that he was the first character not to change his accent. Dad was so proud of his roots and his beliefs."
Ellis was also known for playing Norman Martin in the BBC's Billy trilogy of plays in the 1980s, alongside a young Kenneth Branagh.
Branagh said of his former co-star: "I was blessed to begin my career working with him, and I will never forget his generosity to me.
The Northern Irish actor was best known for playing Bert Lynch in the police drama, which aired from 1962 to 1978.
He died following a stroke at Lincoln Hospital on Saturday morning (March 8).
His son Toto told BBC News of his father's death: "It was sad to watch him slip away. The last words he heard were that he was a hero, a legend and we all loved him.
"He blazed a trail for Northern Ireland actors, in that he was the first character not to change his accent. Dad was so proud of his roots and his beliefs."
Ellis was also known for playing Norman Martin in the BBC's Billy trilogy of plays in the 1980s, alongside a young Kenneth Branagh.
Branagh said of his former co-star: "I was blessed to begin my career working with him, and I will never forget his generosity to me.
- 3/10/2014
- Digital Spy
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