Actor Murray Melvin, who worked with Michael Caine, Stanley Kubrick and Ken Russell and appeared in dozens of films including A Taste of Honey and Alfie, has died at the age of 90.
- Melvin is known for his work in the films: A Taste of Honey, Alfie and Barry Lyndon
- A close friend says he has “never fully recovered” from the fall he suffered in December
Legendary actor Murray Melvin who worked with the likes of Michael Caine and Stanley Kubrick has died at the age of 90.
Born August 10, 1932 in London, the English actor starred in the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood and was known for his work with Joan Littlewood, Ken Russell, and Stanley Kubrick.
He made his debut in 1957 at the Theater Royal in Stratford for Macbeth.
He then starred in films such as Alfie (1966) alongside Michael Caine and Barry Lyndon (1975) and Phantom of the Opera (2004).
Tributes have now been pouring through social media for Melvin, who won the BAFTA Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer and the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in A Taste of Honey (1961).
Actor Murray Melvin has died at the age of 90 after working with the likes of Stanley Kubrick and Ken Russell.
Melvin appeared alongside Sir Michael Caine in Alfie (1966) as Nat, which was directed by Louis Gilbert
Kerry Kyriakos Michael MBE, creative director at Theatro Technis, said on Twitter: “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Murray Melvin – actor, director and theatrical archivist.
He had a fall in December, from which he never fully recovered. He died at St Thomas’ Hospital on Friday, April 14, at the age of 90. He was one of my closest friends and will be missed by many of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Actor Ricky Norwood also offered his condolences on social media, adding, “This is terrible news. Murray Melvin always had time for us in the Youth Theater and always advocated for our success in the business.
This is a really sad loss. My love for his family and friends. RIP Murray, I know you’d stomp the boards in there for the big guy.
British journalist Samira Ahmed, a BBC writer and broadcaster, published the following: Murray Melvin passed away yesterday: actor, director, Theater Workshop graduate, archivist and lovely man.
He was 90 years old. I was very lucky to call him my friend. I saw him the day before he died and he was always full of great stories from his life. We will miss him very much.
“He had such an amazing effect on everyone he met.”
As John Bleasdale, host of Book on Film, discusses Melvin’s work as an actor: ‘He’s probably best known for his work on Barry Lyndon and The Devils. But his role in Tony Richardson’s Taste of Honey was truly groundbreaking and beautiful in presenting a truly human portrayal of a gay man.
Melvin pictured with Barbara Windsor and Sir Robin Andrew Wells
In addition to working alongside Kane and Kubrick, Melvin is known for his work on films such as HMS Defiant (1962), Sparrows Can’t Sing (1963), Kaleidoscope (1966), and Smashing Time (1967).
He has also starred in The Devils (1971), Ghost Story (1974), Joseph Andrews (1977), Ghost in the Noonday Sun (1985) and The Lost City of Z (2017).
