Leonard Rossiter was an English actor best known for his roles in “Rising Damp,” “The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin,” and various BBC productions. He was born on October 21, 1926, in Liverpool, England.
Personal and Family Life
Leonard Rossiter grew up in Wavertree, Liverpool, and worked in an insurance office before pursuing acting at the age of 27. He was married twice, first to Josephine Tewson from 1958 to 1961, and then to actress Gillian Raine in 1972, with whom he had one daughter, Camilla. Rossiter was known for his passion in both acting and sports, excelling in squash, tennis, and football.
Career
Rossiter began his career in theater with the Preston repertory company, making his stage debut in “The Gay Dog.” He gained acclaim for his performances in various plays and films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a household name with his comedic roles. His iconic character “Rigsby” in “Rising Damp” and his work in Cinzano commercials cemented his place in British television history.
Death and Legacy
Leonard Rossiter passed away from a heart attack on October 5, 1984, just shy of his 58th birthday. He collapsed in his dressing room during a performance of Joe Orton’s play “Loot.” A memorial service was held for him at St. Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, honoring his contributions to theater and television.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 2001: A Space Odyssey | 1968-04-02 | Dr. Andrei Smyslov |
| Barry Lyndon | 1975-12-18 | Capt. John Quin |
| Otley | 1969-03-11 | Johnson |
| Rising Damp | 1974-09-02 | Rigsby |
| The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin | 1976-09-08 | Reginald Perrin |
| The Pink Panther Strikes Again | 1976-12-15 | Quinlan |
| A Kind of Loving | 1962-04-12 | Whymper |
| Deadfall | 1968-09-11 | Fillmore |
| Water | 1985-01-11 | Sir Malcolm Leveridge |
| Voyage of the Damned | 1976-12-22 | Commander von Bonin |
| This Sporting Life | 1963-02-07 | Phillips, Sports Writer |
| Dog Ends | 1984-07-17 | Arthur |