British actor John Woodvine has died aged 96.

The star appeared in shows such as Netflix hit The Crown, Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders, as well as soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street. He famously starred in the 1981 horror comedy film, An American Werewolf in London.

Woodvine died “peacefully” at his home on Monday morning (October 6), his representative Phil Belfied confirmed. He paid tribute to the “extraordinary actor” in a heartfelt statement.

It read: “John was an extraordinary actor and had a fabulous and varied career in all areas of the industry including work on stage in over 70 productions including at the Old Vic, National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, and on screen in numerous roles including in Young Winston, An American Werewolf In London, Dragonworld, Persuasion, The Crown and most recently in the film Enys Men.

He continued: “John was greatly admired by all and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who met, knew and worked with him. We are all the richer to have known him.”

Another heartfelt tribute came from Woodvine’s talent agency, which wrote: “We are sad to announce the passing of our client, the actor John Woodvine, who died peacefully at home at the age of 96 this morning.

“A wonderful and well loved actor, who will be much missed.”

In 2016, Woodvine played The Archbishop of York in four episodes of The Crown. His stint in Emmerdale came in 2008, when he played Joe Jacobs.

Two years later, he joined rival soap Coronation Street, playing Alan Hoyle. His other TV credits include the 1979 Doctor Who serial The Armageddon Factor, Midsomer Murders, Vera, and The Bill.

He played Dr JS Hirsch in American Werewolf in London, with his other film credits including Richard Attenborough’s Young Winston, and Ken Russel’s horror The Devils.

Woodvine enjoyed an impressive stage career, appearing in over 70 theatre productions. He worked with Sir Ian McKellen and Judi Dench in the 1976 production of Macbeth, which was later recorded for TV.

He had a long relationship with the Royal Shakespeare Company, starring in Old Vic productions such as Othello, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, As You Like It, Henry IV, Henry V, and Richard II.

His most recent film role came in 2022, when he played The Preacher in Enys Men, starring his daughter Mary Woodvine. The folk horror film has been praised by critics and premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly with the latest news, pictures and videos.

You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters.

Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following Daily Star every time you see our name.