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Anton Rodgers
Stage and screen actor often cast in ‘plodding' roles but whose range encompassed Shakespeare, Hollywood films and British sitcom
Over many years Anton Rodgers quietly built a career for himself as one of Britain's leading stage and television actors, attaining a measure of stardom relatively late in life. He is probably most widely known for the sitcoms Fresh Fields (1984-86), in which he played Julia McKenzie's long-suffering husband, and May to December (1989-94), playing a lawyer embarking on a romance with a girl half his age. The actress changed during the show's lengthy run, the principal actor remained the same, and there is something oddly apt about that.
Rodgers played lawyers, policemen (the plodder rather than the dashing hero), officials, long-suffering husbands and homosexuals. His features suggested missed opportunities, befuddlement and resignation. His voice was mellifluous and comforting. Bald and bespectacled in later years, Rodgers was never the action man or glamour boy, but he tackled a surprisingly wide range of projects from Shakespeare and Dickens to The Pink Panther and The Prisoner (in one of the episodes he was Number 2, the character that always changed week to week).
Adept at comedy, drama and musicals, he played Mr Jingle opposite Harry Secombe in the West End musical Pickwick in 1963, a role he reprised on Broadway two years later, and latterly he served as Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium.
He was married to the actress Elizabeth Garvie, with whom he appeared in the TV adaptation of Elizabeth Jane Howard's Something in Disguise (1982) and several stage productions, and they were due to appear in their own shows celebrating Dickens, Austen and marriage in the coming weeks at several modest venues.
Born at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, in 1933, Rodgers attended the Italia Conti acting school and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and began acting professionally while still a schoolboy, making his first stage appearance at the age of 14 in Bizet's opera Carmen (Royal Opera House, 1947), and appearing in touring productions of Great Expectations and The Winslow Boy.
He was a member of the helicopter crew that provided the focus for the BBC comedy series The Sky Larks (1958), while on stage he continued to appear in a wide range of productions. He caused a stir in John Osborne's Under Plain Cover (1962) at the Royal Court, as a sado-masochist, devising new games with his partner, who it transpires is his sister. If anything, Rodgers specialised in the ordinary and unremarkable individual, but there was sometimes a hint of deeper currents beneath the surface. The following year he played Hardy in the historical opening sequence of Carry on Jack, doing everything he possibly can to get out of kissing Nelson.
During the 1960s and early 1970s Rodgers secured fairly regular employment as a guest star in Lew Grade's contemporary thriller series, including Danger Man (1964-65), The Saint (1967) and The Champions (1968). In 1968 he was a German officer in Where Eagles Dare and played the lead role of conman Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge in the P.G. Wodehouse series Ukridge. In 1970 he sang Leslie Bricusse's Oscar-nominated song Thank You Very Much in the Dickens musical Scrooge.
It was television, though, rather than film, that was to provide Rodgers with most of his significant screen roles, though he continued to act on stage as well throughout his life. He was a Scotland Yard detective who teams up with astrologer Anoushka Hempel in the light-hearted series Zodiac (1974), another policeman in the comic mystery series Murder Most English (1977), Lillie Langry's weak-willed spouse who has to turn a blind eye while she conducts an affair with the Prince of Wales, in Lillie (1978) and a country practice vet in Noah's Ark (1997).
Few of his TV series attained the status of true classics, though Fresh Fields and May to December scored well in the ratings. Fresh Fields was sufficiently popular for Thames Television to reunite Rodgers and McKenzie in their old roles of William and Hester Fields, in a new setting, in French Fields (1989-91). Many critics and commentators have lamented the lack of inspiration and risk in British sitcom at the time. Fresh Fields ranked 83rd in a 2004 BBC poll to determine the best British sitcoms of all time.
Rodgers and McKenzie co-starred in a one-off ITV family comedy You Can Choose Your Friends earlier this year, though by that time Rodgers was semi-retired. He revealed that he had turned down several series and preferred to spend his time fishing, though he could not resist the temptation of working with McKenzie again.
In total he appeared in about 100 films and TV productions and dozens of plays throughout the country and abroad. He also directed numerous plays in the regions and on the fringe.He had a main supporting role (another policeman) in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), with Steve Martin and Michael Caine; starred in the Frederic Raphael mini-series After the War (1989); narrated the popular Old Bear Stories (1993) for children; played the central character of the vet in Noah's Ark (1997-98); was a retiree in the sitcom Up Rising (1999), the Duke in The Merchant of Venice (2004), with Al Pacino as Shylock, and Tory politician Willie Whitelaw in the TV drama Longford last year.
He is survived by his wife, three sons from that marriage, and two children from an earlier marriage.
Anton Rodgers, actor, was born on January 10, 1933. He died on December 1, 2007, aged 74
I guess I was one of the so called lucky ones, in as much as I actually knew Anton quite well and met both him and his wife Liz on many occasions.
Anton was a true gentleman, always very approachable, and so very easy to talk to.
I was not only shocked to hear of his passing, but very sad indeed.
Mark Watkin-Beamond, Reading, Berkshire
Anton's wonderful voice will live on in the 'Old Bear' stories - what a wonderful legacy.
Trudi, Southampton, UK
Just searching the Web to learn a little bit about the actors on my favorite Saturday night shows from the BBC that we watch on PBS. Anton Rodgers was the first I looked up and was very sad to see about his passing. Love May to December.
Linda, Tucson, USA
I too only heard of his death while watching the BAFTA awards..and I was upset not to have heard before....He was a great actor and a gentleman....
Sue Whittle, Manchester, Gt Manchester
Anton Rogers what a wonderful actor. He always made you feel good when he was on with that lovely voice. Does anyone know if the Actor Desmond Barritt is his brother, he looks like him and sounds exactly like him.
God Bless
Norma Scott, Bexleyheath, United Kingdom
I, like Eluned Woods only found out about Anton's passing last Sunday during the Bafta awards. I was shocked and upset that his passing didn't merit a mention at the time. I enjoyed all his TV series, especially with Julia McKenzie and extend my sympathy to his widow and family - such a lovely man.
Lin Trueman, Liverpool, UK
I can,t believe i have only just heard about Anton
Rodgers death.
I thought he was wonderful.
marion, Dartford, England
Anton Rogers always made me smile.
Thank you Anton.
God bless, rest in peace
SELWYN CHANNON, epsom, united kingdom
I was really shocked to learn from watching the B.A.F.T.A's that Anton Rodgers had died and like other correspondents was amazed that his passing had not been mentioned in the news, considering his popularity.Shame on them! I remember him at the Queens Theatre Hornchurch many moons ago in rep.
Eluned Woods, Dursley,
I too have only just heard of Mr Rodgers' death. I remember we serviced his Sierra Ghia car in the 80's when he lived in Lower Basildon, near Reading.
I walked with him one morning across our service yard and sycophantically mentioned that I'd really enjoyed the serial, Something in Disguise and enquired what had happened to the really attractive woman who'd taken all her clothes off several times during one or two episodes? He agreed with me that she was a very pretty girl and, as a throwaway line, that he'd married her. She was Ms Garvie of course....oops!
Derek Manchester, Bracknell,
I am shocked and devastated that I will never realise my wish, which was to meet this wonderful and totally professional actor.
He seemed to be a wonderful human being and a true gentleman, his death seems so sudden!
I cannot believe he has gone. How tragic for his wife and family.
RIP Anton
Karen, Lincolnshire, England
I too am very saddened by the news which I learned from watching the BAFTA's. My sincere condolences to his family. I always enjoyed watching him especially in May to December.
Denise, Farnham, Surrey
Denise Cursons, Farnham, United Kingdom
I was also surprised to see his name at the Bafta awards
I hadn't realised that he had died.I've watched and enjoyed all his T'V and Film performances.
Recently seeing him in a re run of Randell and Hopkirk Deceased.Comedy and Drama,he could do them all.
He'll be sadly misssed.
Janet, Swindon, Wilts
i was so saddened by this news
jayne elliott nottingham, nottingham, england
I saw his name on the Bafta tribute-always rated him as one of the best, he will be much missed.
Angela, Shrops
Angela Grisewood, welshhampton, Shrops
Saw his name on the Bafta tribute - I can't believe I missed the announcement. Always watched anything he was in, as it was bound to have a bit of class.
Christine, Rutland, UK
Deeply Saddened.
Eva, Derby,
Even here in the US we loved Anton Rodgers. What a marvelous actor and from all I have heard from those who knew him personally, a delightful man. How sad for his lovely wife and children. They are in our prayers.
CAPT D. G. McCarthy, The Villages, USA / Florida
Anton Rodgers was a wonderful loving man who could make you feel good about yourself simply through conversing with him. He always seemed larger than life to me and probably was!!
He was extremely generous to me at a time when things were difficult...like being young and confussed!
It was a privilage to know you Anton and I hope your next journey proves as interesting, exciting and successful as your journey here has been..I have admired you from afar for the last 35years and have known you for over 43 years.
Hope to see you again.
Tom Munro, Melbourne, Australia
I saw Anton in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and have of course grown up watching his tv performances over the years. Lovely actor will be very sadly missed.
R.I.P. Anton
mariet, midlands, UK
Back in December I hear Sarah Kennedy refer sadly about Anton Rodgers and I suspected he had died but could find nothing on websites. As another person has commented, not a not of news coverage but Anton Rodgers was a lovely actor and I feel a sense of loss to have confirmation that he has died. What a lovely man and I thoroughly enjoyed his performances especially in May to December. Helen M, Oxfordshire
Helen Morris, Banbury,
Memories of a very handsome young man in Zodiac and as a loving husband in Fresh Fields. I will miss such a warm and loving actor with a wee glint in his eye. God bless, Jenna Carpenter - East Devon
Jenna Carpenter, Exeter,
I only heard today that Anton Rodgers had died - not much publicity surrounding his death then? I thought it would have been headline news as he was such a good established actor. I watch May to December over and over again and it stil makes me laugh. Very sorry to hear the news
Gill, UK,
How sad that he is gone... I will always remember Fresh Fields as well as his other enjoyable performances. A real professional, bulging with talent. He is missed.
Robert Felton, Evanston, IL USA
The nation have lost a truly great actor ... Anton may have left us .... but he will NEVER be forgotten.
Since sympathy to all of his family.
Jeff and Sian Edwards .. Milford Haven.
Jeff Edwards, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
I am sad to learn of his passing. I so love May to December and Fresh Fields. He will always be my favorite British actor.
Leslie, Lexington, Kentucky
What a real shame,I never met the guy but he always came across as such a good man .
A good actor who never got the full recognition he deserved.
My condolences to his wife Elizabeth and his children.
Anthony Doyle, Prestbury Cheshire, England
What a real shame.I never met the guy but he always came across as such a good man and a damn fine actor.
My condolences to his wife Elizabeth and his children.
Anthony doyle, prestbury cheshire, uk
My Step-daughter had a fairly small- but regular and signicant - role in French Fields. Whilst that show was being produced/canned he telphoned my late wife to congratulate her on producing such a talented young actor. The conversation lasted well over 45 minutes, and he insisted on speaking to me. I thanked him for all the pleasure he had given me - in various roles- particularly UKRIDGE in the P. G.Wodehouse series. He was delighted that I had remembered this, and said with a slight sigh "Oh, that was a wonderful role to play!"
My condolences to his widow and family. Yet another 'Landmark' of Theatre, film, and TV is lost to the public
J. W. Selley, Portland, Dorset
I have a picture on my wall showing Anton Rodgers with his arm around my late brother George's shoulders. They served together in the RAF doing their National Service in the early 50's. The men knew him as Tony Rodgers and when George took his wife and daughter to see him in Pickwick, he asked him why he had changed his name to Anton. He laughed and said it was his real name and thought the men in the RAF would have made fun of someone named Anton. My sister Christine took the photo to Anton when he appeared at the Churchill Theatre Bromley and he very kindly signed it for her. It will be treasured as a memory of two very much loved men. My families thoughts and prayers are with Anton's family at this sad time.
Mrs Marilyn Weir, Poole, Dorset
I was in the show 'Pickwick Papers' with Anton and although I was very young he treated me as an adult. Many Fridays we used to go for meals opposite the theatre. He used to buy me Coke in the invervals that cost 6p in old money. When the show finished he gave me a small envelope with £5 (in old money) worth of sixpences, which I have kept for 40 odd years. I have never forgotten him in all those years. A true gent and a lovely man.
Terry Collins, London,
Anton was my mother's younger brother, he died on my mum's birthday. I took my 3 kids to England in October, 2 mths before Anton died for the sole purpose of them meeting my relatives in UK. We spent a great day with Anton, Liz, Adam and family, had a really special time. We feel so privileged to have been able to spend time with Anton, he was so special. His small gift to my daughter is precious and will stay in our family forever. Take care Liz, we'll keep in touch.
Robyn Illemann, Havelock North, New Zealand
I've been a fan since I saw him play Dick Swiveller in The Old Curiosity Shop in 1962.
I only learned of his death because the showing of the vastly inferior new version of The Old Curiosity Shop brought to mind his excellent performance and I searched for him on IMDb.
A sad loss.
Trevor Trotman, Wolverhampton,
I have only discovered Anton Rodgers this year in MAY TO DECEMBER. The sight of him jitterbugging was priceless.
I will be looking for him in other roles.
Georgia Henderson, Lexington, KY
I am very saddened by the death of Anton Rodgers, a man who very nuch a gentleman and brought character to every role he played. He will be missed in our hearts as well as on the screen. My sympathies to his family.
Elizabeth Tait, Whitburn, West Lothian
Anton Rodgers, a gentleman. The world and the stage and screen is a sadder place without him. R.I.P.
Elizabeth Tait, Whitburn, West Lothian
A friend from America. My respects to his wife and family. I love him in "Scrooge" (he was the very best) and just wanted to tell you all how very much I enjoyed his perfect performance. Kindest regards - Lori Anne
Lori, Seattle, Washington
I saw Anton as CSLewis in Shadowlands in belfast-- went two nights it was so good. very saddened to hear of his death.
maxwell, newtownards,
What sad news to hear via Hereford Cathedral Songs of Praise that Anton Rodgers had died.
I remember fondly his May to December and Fresh Fields but most recently Noah's Ark which was filmed locally and taken of our screens far too quickly.
My condolences to his family - the acting world have lost a great
E.M. Thomas, Worcestershire, UK
I too was saddened by the announcement before Songs of Praise, of Anton's death. I thought it must have been sudden as we would have seen or heard about it on TV or radio before now.
I wish to pass on my respects to his Family and friends. And just say how I always enjoyed watching him on television.
Jo Kalisz, Wokingham, Berkshire
What very sad news to hear of Anton Rodgers passing I was so hurt not to have heard anything on any news bulletins - why we wondered was nothing said - We offer our thoughts to his family at this sad time - with great fondness of a super actor.
Carol, Green Hammerton, UK
I was shocked to hear of Anton Rodgers' death - I remember with great fondness his TV series, particularly those with Julia Mackenzie - they worked so well together. I felt privileged to see his last appearance on Songs of Praise and my thoughts are with his family at this time of reflection.
Val Ball, Herefordshire
Valerie Ball, Bromyard,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Anton Rodgers death as announced on Songs of Praise! My thoughts are with his family. I remember, with fondness, Fresh Fields and his many diverse acting roles. I actually went into animal care because of his role in Noah's Ark! He was a great actor who will be sorely missed. I also found it all the more heartbreaking that I had not heard the sad news until the above programme. He will always be remembered as the perfect English gent.
Jane, Portland,
I was surprised to hear from songs of praise that Anton Roger passing. I wonder why it was not mention of the news or did I just miss it. A great actor will be missed.
Many thoughts to his family at this sad time.
maureen, twickenham,
I was very saddened on hearing before the Songs of Praise programme on Sunday evening of the passing away of Anton Rodgers. I thought he was a marvellous actor in many and varied roles throughout his career. My thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.
Deborah, Middlesbrough.
Deborah Smith, Middlesbrough,
I too was saddened to hear of the what appeared sudden passing of Anton Rodgers and not remembering it from recent news obituaries made it seem sadder in a way. I thought on last nights Songs of Praise he looked so dashing and handsome, its odd how things come about at times and this time of year can be most difficult.
Remembered with fondness.
K.C. Glasgow
karen, glasgow, strathclyde
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Anton Rodgers at the beginning of "Songs of Praise" on 23rd. December 2007. I wondered why I missed the announcement of his passing in the papers or on tv? I enjoyed Songs of Praise from Hereford Cathedral, although I feel that it might have been a repeat (?), as I seem to recall a similiar broadcast last year. I viewed the programme with joy and sadness, as my mother is lying in a hospital bed with cancer over Christmas and for the forseeable future.
David Mead, Ashurst / New Forest , Hampshire / England
I was so sad to hear of Anton's death mentioned today before Songs of Praise. This was one of the best Songs of Praise programmes and particularly enhanced by the wonderful narrations of Anton and Julia.
He will be greatly missed and I am sorry too that his passing was not regarded as being more newsworthy.
My thoughts are with his family particularly as we arrive at the Christmas period - may God bless them.
Iris, Aberdeenshire
Iris French, Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire
I am saddened to hear, on Song of Praise, of Anton Rogers passing. He was such a convincing actor. He will be sadly missed
Marjory Stronach, Forres, Moray
I am so sorry hear on Songs of Praise of the passing of Anton Rogers, he was a fine actor and such a joy to watch with a wonderful sense of timing in comedy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Pat, Jersey, CI.
Pat, St. Clement, Jersey CI
I too was surprised to hear of Anton's death on Songs of Praise. In fact, I checked on a search engine to make sure I'd heard correctly. It's such a shame his long and varied career wasn't worthy of a greater mention on the media.
My sincere condolences go to his family and friends.
Mandy, Morley, West Yorkshire
i was saddenred to hear about the sad loss of mr Anton Rodgers, i had heard about hus passing mid week, on the Paul oGrady show. but had not seen any notices in the news papers or on the news,
Mr Rodgers was a very fine actor, i saw him a few years ago in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and fondly remember him in Fresh Fields.
He will be sadly missed
God Bless.
stephen, dundee, scotland
I was so sad to learn from Songs of Praise this evening that Anton had passed away. He was a good actor and also a good singer in musicals in the West End. I was fortunate to meet him briefly after I saw SongBook and got his autograph he was the complete gentleman. He will be missed. My condolences go to Elizebeth and Family.
Alan, Heacham, Norfolk
Just heard tonight on Songs of Praise that Anton Rogers
is no longer with us.
My abiding memory of him will be his part in 1970 Musical Scrouge and the TV comedy French Fields with Julia McKenzie.
I would like to send my condolences to his family and friends.
Stephen Ball, Grays, Essex, England
stephen Ball, grays, essex
How sad to hear of his death this evening on songs of praise his presence was worthy of a much higher proclaimation. Rest in Peace
Brian, Swindon, England
SO sorry to hear of the death of such a wonderful actor alway a joy to watch or listen to on talkovers easily identifiied from his distinctive voice Allison
allison ovenden, Guildford, surrey
I have only just heard of Anton's passing today having seen him on Songs of Praise this evening. I am very sorry to hear such sad news as he has always been one of my favourite British actors who I have watched for many a year since I was a young girl. He had a natural talent and was an actor you loved to watch and who always gave a brilliant performance, whether in drama or comedy. My sympathy goes to all his family.
Val, Poole , Dorset
So sorry to hear about Anton Rogers,a very likeable person and extremely good actor.
My heart goes out to his Family,unfortunate that he is no longer with us,but more so just before Christmas,which is a Family Time.
Margaret, Stafford, Staffs
Just heard about the passing of Anton Rodgers. I am so sorry to hear this. He appeared to be a lovely man and I send condolences to his family and friends.
Jenny, Belfast
Mrs Jennifer Wightman, Belfast, N Ireland
So sorry to hear of Anton's passing - such a familiar and friendly face. He will be missed by the public and his family. When I heard I wanted to send Elizabeth Garvie a card as she has always been my very favourite Elizabeth Bennett, but I have been unable to find an address so I am using this forum to say how sorry I am to hear such sad news. Ms Austen said in Sense and Sensibility that the best physic for heartbreak is activity....it's good advice I have found. I and all my friends are sending you and your boys good wishes at this time.
carol lomax , blackburn, uk
anton rogers was a very watchable actor......you really thought you knew him....sorry to hear of his passing.....condolences to his family.... he gave a lot of pleasure
gwen mendis, loughton, essex
May to December was my favourite sitcom with you at the helm. Enjoy your rest
Robert Godfrey, Melton Mowbray,
He will be missed. Thankyou mr Ro dgers for the pleasure you have given us over the years.
Rick, wallasey, uk
To me, and others of a certain age, Anton Rodgers will always be the Scarlet Pimpernel. I know he became extremely popular through Fresh Fields and other comedy role, but he was a very fine all round actor and will be missed.
Geoff Merry, Chichester
Geoff Merry, Chichester, U.K.
I was extremely sad to learn of Anton Rodgers recent death. In 1970, at the age of 13 our English teacher took our class to see Albert Finney's film version of 'A Christmas Carol' at the ABC Shaftesbury Avenue in London, which of course starred Anton Rodgers. (Our class was studying Dicken's at the time). It is, till this day my favourite Musical and I watch it at least twice a year. He will be missed greately. Anton was a fine actor, whether on stage or screen. My condolences go to his wife and children. I would hope the BBC would pay tribute to him in some way possibly by showing one of his sitcom's or other pieces of work.
Yours Sincerely
Steven j Curtis
STEVEN J CURTIS, Godalming, Surrey
I have just learnt to today of Anton Rodger's death as a radio play, which I have heard before and greatly enjoyed, was introduced by the announcer as the featuring the "Late Anton Rodgers". I do not normally post blog like notes but I am very sad to hear this news. He came across as such a lovely man and this was proved to be true when I lent his friend a nappy on Constantine Beach. My sympathies to his wife and lovely boys who entertained mine by building human shapes with the sand. I do hope his family get to read these lovely messages and that they may comfort them. His voice was such a joy to many whilst he was alive.
Belinda, Putney, London
I only new Anton through serving him in Goring Hardware when he lived in Goring (Oxon) He continued to visit the shop after moving to live in Whitchurch, and called in only a couple of months ago. He was the loveliest of customers, always asking after my health and how things were in general. A true gentleman with the common touch. He agreed with my definition of the purpose of life " to leave this world an ever so slightly better place than if one had never been born into it "
Paul Lynch, Goring, Oxon
I was so sorry to hear of Anton's death - he and my late husband, actor singer David Sinclair, were in the musical "Windy City" together. He was a charming man and I send condolences to Elizabeth and his children.
Christine Sinclair
Christine Sinclair, Hove,
Super and Sincere actor. Tuning in you always knew that his performance would be first class. This was a guy one felt was a friend, someone who would have listened to you - someone you could trust. Entertaining us over many years he will be sadly missed. My immediate thoughts at this time are with his family and closest friends, fellow actors, colleagues, studio crews etc.
Michael. Leicester. UK
Michael, Leicester, UK
Sorry to hear that this lovely man and accomplished actor has died. I wish his family well.
Janis Carpenter, Birmingham, UK
I knew him well because i went to prep school with sons back in the early 1990s. For some reason he used to call me fred although i have no idea why he did so.
I feel sad now he has gone and wished i had the oppotunity to have seen him again
tom barrett, Reading, england
I knew him relatively well because i went to prep school, with his children from his second marriage. For some reason he used to call me fred although i have no idea why he did so. I will miss him and wished i had the oppotunitty to see him again.
My heart goes out to his family
tom barrett, Reading, england
I love Anton he was a lovely man and a great actor and will be sadly missed by all.
My thoughts are with his famiy at this very hard time
Leona Weston
Sutton Bridge Lincs
Leona Weston, Sutton Bridge, England
I will always hear his voice - a gentle, calming influence on the occasional chaos around him! I always felt he would be exactly the same offstage as on. He had a timeless quality, instantly recognisable, with a twinkle in the eye that belied a shrewd nature!
M Shere, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sorry to hear of such a sad loss my thoughts are with Antons family at this time
claire, essex,
I'm so sorry to learn about Anton Rodgers' death. Loved "May to December"--he made the character so funny & so lovable, without losing an ounce of dignity. I guess at first he reminded me a bit of my late brother ... He played the long-suffering husband of Judy Parfitt in a Rumpole episode, probably one of the many journeyman parts mentioned in the obit.
My sympathy goes out to his family, friends, and everyone who loves great acting.
Gay in Western NY
Gay Baines, East Aurora, NY, US
My wife and I just loved Anton Rodgers in May to December and frequently watch the videos that we have of the series.
Also the French & Fresh Fields series.
Hard to believe that it is almost 30 yrs since his appearance in "Lillie Langtry"
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
John Casey, Surprise, Arizona U S A
I really liked Anton Rogers, 74 is far too young, he had alot of characters left in him I am sure, how sad it was to hear of his death.
Lorraine Berkshire-Roe, oxford,
Yes, truly one of the GREAT "Number 2's" of the show The Prisoner! Be Seeing You Mr. Rodgers. And thank you.
Paul Barnes, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, USA
I worked with Anton alot in the late seventies and eighties mostly doing voice overs for commercials.
Forever the gentleman and a true professional.
May your catch be bountiful.
RIP.
Glenn , Berkhamsted, England
I haven't watched TV for over 30 years, given the odd exception
but I do remember listening to Anton Rogers in a comedy radio programme while having my Sunday bath (late 60s - early 70s). Does anybody else remember the programme?
jethro, Brussels,
Anton Rodgers was a superstar to a lot of us, I am saddened by his passing. As a number 2 on the Prisoner, he is immortal. In my opinion, the best number two on the show.
My respects to family.
jol rea, bristol, england
What a great loss to television i loved may to december he was a great entertainer and will be missed sadly by everyone in showbiz all his family and friends my condolences to his family at their sad time this is an especially sad time to lose someone near christmas and my thoughts are with his family. i hope that he didnt suffer rest in peace anton from jane and heidy cox from pedmore in stourbridge west midlands england
Jane cox, west midlands, england
Anton rodgers was an actor that never seemed to be in the limelight, but his bumbling roles in fresh/french fields has earned him a loyal fan base of 40/50 something that are genuinely fond of him.
It's not a nice thought that Anton Rodgers is not around in the showiz world.
Condolences to his family.
ray williams, warrington, uk
A terrific actor. My condolences to Lizzie Garvie and the children.
Liz, London,
I loved Anton Rodgers in May to September particularly. It was such a wonderful comedy and very warm. It was one of my favorite shows on TV which I watched avidly. I am sorry that he has died, he was only a little older than I am. My condolences to his wife and family, I know this will be a hard time for them.
Eryl Pettit, Catonsville, Maryland, USA
A lovely man who will be truly missed. In 1978, when my daughter was only 9, she cried at the way Lillie Langtry (Francesca Annis) treated him. She sobbed "mommy, how can that lady be so horrible to him and make him cry?". That is the true mark of a great actor, someone who is credible with EVERY part he plays. When you see the character and not the actor, then you know he's darned good. Condolences to his family.
Sally, Vancouver, Canada