EastEnders star Shaun Williamson has paid tribute to his on-screen father Tony Caunter, who has died on the age of 88, simply eight days after his spouse Fran handed away
Shaun Williamson has delivered a poignant tribute to his former EastEnders colleague Tony Caunter after his passing on the age of 88.
Tony Caunter, famed for bringing Roy Evans to life on EastEnders, handed away peacefully aged 88, his household introduced on Tuesday. The veteran actor, who portrayed the cherished motor dealer from 1994 to 2003, was introduced in as a love curiosity for Pat Butcher, performed by Pam St Clement, with the couple later tying the knot in Albert Sq..
Chatting with the PA information company, his relations revealed: “It’s with monumental disappointment that we convey the curtain down on our fantastic and massively liked father, Tony Caunter, who died peacefully yesterday night, simply eight days after his beloved spouse of 63 years, Fran, additionally handed away.
“Dad was 88 years previous. After an extended and fulfilling life on and off display screen and stage, Tony leaves a daughter and three sons, seven grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He will probably be missed by all.”
The household additionally thanked those that cared for Caunter throughout his ultimate weeks: “We wish to thank the NHS employees at Eastbourne District Common Hospital for his or her unimaginable care throughout his ultimate hours, and to everybody at Eastbourne Gardens nursing house for the care and compassion they’ve given dad over the previous two months.”
The beloved EastEnders legend’s household concluded their transferring assertion by asking for privateness “at this extraordinarily tough time.”
Shaun, 59, has now taken to social media to share a touching tribute to his on-screen dad. studies the Mirror. The ex-EastEnders star penned on Instagram: “RIP Tony Caunter. He was like a second father to me and taught me a lot about appearing and life. An amazing actor and an ideal man. I’ll miss him a lot.”
The bosses at EastEnders additionally issued a heartfelt assertion saying: “It’s with nice disappointment that we study of the passing of Tony Caunter.
“Tony will without end be liked and revered by everybody at EastEnders for his heat, kindness and humour in addition to being vastly remembered by all these at house who immediately took Roy to their hearts.
“Roy will at all times be remembered for his nice love of Pat, regardless of him famously declaring his distaste in her alternative of earrings, which gave us all certainly one of Walford’s biggest amorous affairs.
“Tony won’t ever be forgotten by all those that labored alongside him for a few years and everybody at EastEnders sends their love and condolences to Tony’s household and buddies,” the transferring assertion concluded.
Followers have additionally been paying their respects on social media following the information of Tony’s tragic passing. One fan tweeted: “I have been watching 1998-2000 not too long ago and Roy was the most effective characters. All the time down on his luck however such a superb character! Unhappy to listen to Tony Caunter has handed away.”
One other added: “RIP Tony Caunter, I used to be fortunate sufficient to satisfy him just a few years in the past at a signing and he was one of many sweetest and nicest males I’ve met. Very unhappy.”
One other mourned: “Very unhappy information. Roy was at all times a favorite of mine, and Tony a wonderful actor.”
A 3rd mirrored: “Unhappy information RIP Tony… Roy did not half put up with plenty of garbage along with his son Barry inflicting him bother and Pat dishonest with Frank. He was in an ideal period of the present.”
One other EastEnders devotee penned: “Tony Caunter was a dependable TV face, equally comfy on both aspect of the legislation: at all times extraordinarily reliable. That he was then rewarded with family title standing in Eastenders was a deserved cherry on his appearing cake. I visited at house some years again and he was beautiful. RIP.”
“We have misplaced one other versatile character actor Tony will probably be finest remembered for his lengthy working stint on EastEnders as Roy Evans. Amongst his many different credit Tony appeared in Physician Who 3 occasions. R.I.P. Tony Caunter,” another person mirrored.
All through his tenure on the BBC cleaning soap, Caunter’s character was central to among the programme’s most gripping storylines, notably Pat’s betrayal with former husband Frank Butcher, portrayed by Mike Reid.
Past Albert Sq., Caunter’s illustrious profession stretched throughout quite a few a long time, that includes roles in Pennies From Heaven, Tumbledown, Juliet Bravo, and the drama sequence Boon.
The actor shared 63 years of marriage with Frances Wallace, and collectively they raised 4 youngsters.