Actor Frank Windsor who starred in Z-Cars, Eastenders and Softly, Softly dies at the age of 92

Actor Frank Windsor who starred in Z-Cars, Eastenders and Softly, Softly dies at the age of 92 ‘surrounded by family’

  • Frank Windsor passed away at his London home on Wednesday, his agent said
  • Actor’s career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in Z-Cars and Casualty
  • Born in 1928, Windsor studied at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama
  • The 92-year-old British actor is survived by his daughter Amanda and wife Mary  

Z-Cars and Softly, Softly actor Frank Windsor, pictured above, has died at the age of 92

Actor Frank Windsor who starred in Z-Cars, Eastenders and Softly, Softly actor has died at the age of 92 ‘surrounded by his family’, his agent has said.

Windsor was best known for playing Detective Sergeant John Watt in the BBC series Z-Cars, which was set in the fictional town of Newtown, based on Kirkby in Lancashire. 

A statement from Frank Windsor’s agent said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our much-loved client Frank Windsor at the age of 92.

‘Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020.

‘Born Frank W Higgins on July 12 1928, his acting career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in Z-Cars, Softly Softly, Casualty and Peak Practice.

‘Frank is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who was by his side until the end.

‘As per Frank’s wishes and in keeping with Covid restrictions, there will be no funeral or memorial service, just a private cremation with his ashes being laid to rest with his beloved son David.

‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’

Frank’s son, David, died in a car crash aged 29 in 1997.

Windsor, pictured sitting inside the car, with the cast of the Z-Cars series (from left top right: Sarah Aimson, James Ellis, Colin Welland, Joseph Brady, Brian Blessed and Donald Gee)

Windsor, pictured sitting inside the car, with the cast of the Z-Cars series (from left top right: Sarah Aimson, James Ellis, Colin Welland, Joseph Brady, Brian Blessed and Donald Gee)

British actor Windsor pictured with his wife at the 25th Rudolph Valentino Awards

British actor Windsor pictured with his wife at the 25th Rudolph Valentino Awards

Windsor as Peter Wilson and Maggie O'Neill as Dr Alex Redman in 'Peak Practice' in 2001

Windsor as Peter Wilson and Maggie O’Neill as Dr Alex Redman in ‘Peak Practice’ in 2001

Annette Crosbie and Frank Windsor in the ITV drama, Anchor Me

Annette Crosbie and Frank Windsor in the ITV drama, Anchor Me 

The 1986 drama 'Love and Marriage' with Anne Stallybrass as Jean Bradley, Prue Clarke as Rita Bradley and Frank Windsor as Harry Bradley

The 1986 drama ‘Love and Marriage’ with Anne Stallybrass as Jean Bradley, Prue Clarke as Rita Bradley and Frank Windsor as Harry Bradley

Windsor attended Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall, before going on to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama, then based at the London’s Royal Albert Hall.

He played DS Watt in Z-Cars from 1962 to 1965 and later appeared in spin-offs Softly, Softly and Softly, Softly: Taskforce from 1966 to 1976.

His final film role came in 2000 as Mr Walker in Between Two Women. 

Windsor’s other appearances include an Age of Kings, A for Andromeda and the London Connection.

Windsor is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who his agent said were both 'by his side until the end'. His ashes will be laid to rest with his son David

Windsor is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who his agent said were both ‘by his side until the end’. His ashes will be laid to rest with his son David

Frank Windsor with his 1958 Standard Pennant Motor Car. His agent said today: 'Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020'

Frank Windsor with his 1958 Standard Pennant Motor Car. His agent said today: ‘Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday September 30 2020’

Z Cars: Moira Armstrong (left), Robert Keegan, Frank Windsor (second right) and Brian Blessed (right)

Z Cars: Moira Armstrong (left), Robert Keegan, Frank Windsor (second right) and Brian Blessed (right)

Frank Windsor and Michael Elphick in British television crime drama Boon in 1991

Frank Windsor and Michael Elphick in British television crime drama Boon in 1991

Windsor in the landmark of British TV drama 'The Fifteen Streets', an adaptation of Catherine Cookson's novel alongside Clare Holman

Windsor in the landmark of British TV drama ‘The Fifteen Streets’, an adaptation of Catherine Cookson’s novel alongside Clare Holman

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