TV legend Dennis Waterman died after a two-year battle with lung , his second wife Patricia Maynard confirmed.
The actor, who starred in shows including The Sweeney, Minder, and New Tricks,
‘I’m terribly sad that he’s gone but I’m really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully,’ Patricia said.
She added to MailOnline: ‘He had lung cancer and was really quite poorly for the last couple of years. The girls are very upset.’
Dennis was survived by his wife Pam, who was by his side when he died, and daughters, EastEnders actress Hannah (who played Laura Beale) and Julia.
Waterman died on Sunday, with a statement announcing his death reading: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully in hospital in Spain, on Sunday afternoon, with Pam by his side.
‘The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.’
Waterman, who had varied roles in comedy, drama, and horror, found fame as a teenager in BBC drama William and became well known for his role as tough-nut cop, Detective Sergeant George Carter, opposite John Thaw in ITV’s police drama The Sweeney.
He went on to star as bodyguard Terry McCann in Minder, and landed a long-running role as Gerry Standing in New Tricks from 2003 to 2015.
Waterman also starred in ITV’s Where The Heart Is, The Canterbury Tales and Moses Jones.
The star was also known for singing the iconic theme tunes for New Tricks and Minder.
He was also an accomplished actor in the film world, starring in 29 films, most recently in 2020.
Waterman was married four times – first to Penny Dixon from 1967 to 1976, then to Patricia Maynard, from 1977 to 1987.
He was later married to Ruth Lenska, from 1987 to 1998, and finally to Pam Flint, who he tied the knot with in 2011.
with Matt Lucas saying: ‘I grew up watching Dennis Waterman’s iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder.
‘His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo – in which he hilariously duetted with David’s absurd impersonation of him – remains the absolute highlight of my career.’
Paddy McGuinness added: ‘Myself and my Phoenix Nights cast mates used to sing the theme tune to Minder on tour and on the Karaoke! Gutted I never got to meet him, always wanted to be Terry McCann. Another icon from my childhood gone. RIP Dennis Waterman.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their , or for more information.
