Peter Gilmore, the actor, has died at the age of 81. Gilmore starred in The Onedin Line, a long-running BBC drama which told the story of the shipping magnate James Onedin and his family. His co-star in the series, Jessica Benton described him as a “gentle man and a gentleman,” BBC news report. She added “The Onedin Line was a very happy, long-running series to be involved in and that was all credit to Peter because he made it so. We all became very close friends over the years and had a lot of fun. We sorely miss him.”

Gilmore, who passed away in a London hospice, was born in Germany and moved to the UK at the age of 6, where he was raised in Yorkshire. After leaving National Service in the early 1950s, he joined a singing group and starred in musicals. His first major role came in 1958, when he landed the part of Sir Waldo of Ivanhoe in the TV series, Ivanhoe. After appearing in a number of major West End shows, he then landed the role in The Onedin Line, set in the 19th century. Gilmore also appeared in a number of Carry On movies and the cult movie Warlords of the Deep.

Peter Gilmore is survived by his third wife, Anne Stallybrass. His agent, Primie Carey, told the press “on behalf of his wife Anne and Peter’s family, I would like to thank those who have sent their kind thoughts and condolences.” 

Watch clips from The Onedin Line