{"id":40043,"date":"2023-11-20T11:42:08","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T10:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1929657"},"modified":"2023-11-20T11:39:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T10:39:39","slug":"joss-ackland-lethal-weapon-and-white-mischief-actor-dies-aged-95","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/joss-ackland-lethal-weapon-and-white-mischief-actor-dies-aged-95\/","title":{"rendered":"Joss Ackland, Lethal Weapon and White Mischief actor, dies aged 95"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ackland was made a CBE for services to drama in 2001. <\/p>

By James Hibbs\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 20 November 2023 at 10:37 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Joss Ackland, star of films including Lethal Weapon 2 and White Mischief, has died at the age of 95.<\/p>\n

Across his career, which spanned over 70 years, Ackland appeared in over 100 films and TV series, including memorable appearances in The Hunt for Red October and Bill & Ted\u2019s Bogus Journey.<\/p>\n

His family announced his death in a statement, saying: \u201cWith his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Ackland brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his roles. He will be remembered as one of Britain\u2019s most talented and beloved actors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, his representative said in a statement: \u201cJoss was a long term client and great friend who remained lucid, erudite and mischievous to the very end. He died peacefully with his family this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Joss\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Joss Ackland.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ian Gavan\/Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Ackland was born in 1928 in London and attended the Central School of Speech and Drama to train, before making his first on-screen appearance in an uncredited role in 1949\u2019s Landfall.<\/p>\n

He rose to particular prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, when he had roles in Lethal Weapon 2, Great Expectations, Watership Down, White Mischief, Bill & Ted\u2019s Bogus Journey, The Mighty Ducks and Shadowlands.<\/p>\n

He was particularly well-known for a line in Lethal Weapon 2, where he tries to claim \u201cdiplomatic immunity\u201d.<\/p>\n

Ackland was married to his wife Rosemary from 1951 until she died in 2002. The couple had seven children, 34 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He was made a CBE for services to drama in 2001.<\/p>\n

Lyricist and author Sir Tim Rice paid tribute to Ackland in a post on Twitter<\/a>, which has recently been rebranded as X, saying: \u201cRIP Joss Ackland. Great actor, lovely chap. His performance as Peron in Evita such an important contribution to the good fortune that show enjoyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he played so many other roles with distinction, humour & grace from late 1940s on. His name & talent will be long remembered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, actor Rufus Jones said in a post<\/a>: \u201cRIP Joss Ackland. A mighty actor, and totem of that first wave of British Hollywood b***ards. May flights of angels sing thee to thy diplomatic immunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Actor and writer Lolita Chakrabarti said<\/a>: \u201cI remember seeing Shadowlands on TV in the mid \u201980s and Joss Ackland\u2019s performance really moved me. I never met him but what an actor and what a voice! Go well.\u201d<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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