John Woodvine, stage and screen actor, dies at 96

John Woodvine, the veteran British stage and screen actor who appeared in the 1981 film An American Werewolf in London and the 1960s BBC drama Z Cars, died peacefully at his home on Monday morning, his agent said. He was 96.

Phil Belfield, who represented Woodvine, said in a statement that Woodvine "was an extraordinary actor and had a fabulous and varied career in all areas of the industry," noting his work on stage, television and film. Belfield added that Woodvine was "greatly admired by all and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who met, knew and worked with him."

Woodvine’s career spanned more than seven decades and included extensive stage work with major British companies. He appeared in over 70 stage productions at venues such as the Old Vic, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. While with the RSC he played Banquo in Macbeth in a production that also featured Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. He won the Olivier Award for Comedy Performance of the Year in 1987 for his role in The Henrys at the Old Vic.

On screen, Woodvine’s credits encompassed a wide range of genres and formats. He is widely remembered for his role as Detective Inspector...