Reports confirmed the death of English actor, Edward Woodward, known for his rolls in such television series as The Equalizer, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Armchair Theatre, as well as appearing in numerous films like The Wicker Man and Hot Fuzz. Woodward died at age 79, from complications with various illnesses, including a recent bout with pneumonia.

Born on June 1, 1930, in Croyden, Surrey, England, UK, Woodward was classically trained in theatre and the dramatic arts, and also possessed a talent for singing, which earned him rolls in musicals, as well as voiceover work on a variety of audiobooks throughout the years.

He began his acting career in the mid-1950s, appearing in a number of films both big and small screen, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that he really began to make his mark in the U.S. entertainment market. In 1985, he began starring in his own series, The Equalizer, as Private Detective Robert McCall.

Over the years, it would seem that Woodward was often typecast as authoritative types like politicians and police detectives, but Woodward took great pride in the characters he portrayed, convincing his audience no matter what role he took on.  His presence on the screen will be missed by all who appreciated and admired him.

Woodward’s agent, Janet Glass, confirmed that the actor had been ill for several months, and he died Monday, November 16th,  in a Cornwall hospital surrounded by his friends and family. Woodward is survived by his second wife, Michele, and four children, Timothy, Peter, Sarah and Emily.