Only Fools and Horses and Secret Army actor Ron Pember dies aged 87 with tributes honouring late ‘legend’

Pember led a prolific career on British TV (Picture: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

Ron Pember, whose roles included starring in Only Fools and Horses and Secret Army, has died at the age of 87.

The star’s death was announced by his grandson, Paul Pember, who honoured the late actor by sharing several pictures of him throughout his career.

‘“The sadness now is the happiness then. That’s the deal.” 11.04.1934 – 08.03.2022 #ronpember #grandad,’ he wrote in his tribute on Twitter.

The official Twitter account for Only Fools and Horses reshared the message, adding: ‘We are saddened to hear of the news of the death of Ron Pember who played Baz in the series 3 episode ‘Homesick’. Our thoughts and warm wishes go to his family and friends.’

Several fans paid tribute to Pember upon finding out the news of his death, with one tweeting: ‘He was incredible. He’ll be missed so much.’

”Just heard the sad news that Ron Pember has passed away,’ said actor Danny John-Jules.

‘He was such a gentleman with us upstarts when he appeared on #RedDwarf He just rammed his tongue firmly into his cheek and joined the party! What a legend. RIP.’

‘He was one of the most recognisable faces on British television for 30 years,’ someone else said, dubbing him a ‘legend’.

One of Pember’s most recognisable roles was as Belgian Resistance fighter Alain Muny in BBC drama Secret Army, which he played from 1977 to 1979.

He also appeared in an episode of Only Fools and Horses in the 1980s, portraying Baz, the unenthusiastic Chairman of the Tenants’ Association.

Pember (middle) pictured with Derek Thompson and Jill Gascoine in The Gentle Touch (Picture: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

After making his TV debut in the early 1960s, Pember – who was born in Plaistow, Essex in 1934 – went on to appear in productions including Dixon of Dock Green and the television adapatation of Pilgrim’s Progress.

He acted with the National Theatre Company from 1965 to 1968, as well as acting and directing plays at the Mermaid Theatre in London.

More to follow.

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