Edward Woodward, probably best known to U.S. audiences as crime-fighting ex-agent Robert McCall on the cool 80s series The Equalizer, has died at the age of 79.Of course, before taking that role, Woodward had a long, distinguished film career, starring in such classic films as Breaker Morant and The Wicker Man. Long before The Equalizer he did a British series where he played a spy in the series Callan, which ran from 1967 to 1972.. He appeared in several other TV shows over the years, including The Defenders, The Saint, La Femme Nikita, CI5, Over My Dead Body, Nice Work, 1990, The Edward Woodward Hour, and many others.
This year he guest starred in several episodes of the classic British show EastEnders. He was also an accomplished stage actor and singer.
Woodward actually stars in my favorite adaptation of A Christmas Carol, the 1984 George C. Scott TV movie. He plays the very tall Ghost of Christmas Present, and it's a great performance. I make a point of watching it every year, and this year I definitely will again. I also think it's time to break out that first season Equalizer set again. I wonder what the status is on the big screen version of the series that was talked about a couple of years ago.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
11-16-2009 @ 1:17PM
David said...
The longer "The Equalizer" went on, and the more it got away from its core premise ("Got A Problem? Call The Equalizer") and more into the background of the man, the more I liked it. I would argue that Robert McCall was one of the most complex characters EVER on a weekly TV series, and I give HUGE props to Mr. Woodward for finding so many layers to what could have been a simplistic "Robin Hood"-type character. R.I.P., and many thanks.
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11-16-2009 @ 1:20PM
PB said...
I always liked Edward Woodward. His guest stint on Crusade (the Babylon 5 spinoff) was one of my favorite episodes. And he did a lot of movies, too. I loved him in Hot Fuzz! RIP, Mr. Woodward.
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11-16-2009 @ 2:00PM
Michael said...
this is truely a sad day, The Wicker Man is my favorite movie, i'm gonna have to watch it tonight
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11-16-2009 @ 2:19PM
punksrus said...
Rest in peace...what a great actor! And man, he could wear a trench coat! I had a huge crush on him as Robert McCall. I agree with David (above) that this was one of the most complex characters on TV. So sad...
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11-16-2009 @ 3:00PM
mike said...
Loved the Equalizer. What other show had a 60 yr old guy kick ass.
And as chance would have it I was watching an episode of "The Lone Gunmen" this weekend and Mr Woodward provided the computerized voice for the super intelligent chimp.
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11-16-2009 @ 3:26PM
the dude said...
sad to hear..... i will miss him and remember him for the quality work he did.
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11-16-2009 @ 3:41PM
mj said...
I, too, loved the Equalizer. For some reason, I always thought that this was someone who could make you feel safe, no matter what. Quiet yet powerful. He made it seem so natural. When I heard he died, I felt so sad. I remember when he was off the Equalizer having heart surgery. I missed him then, and will miss him now.
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11-16-2009 @ 4:56PM
howard said...
Aren't we lucky to have the advantage of VSRs, CDs and DVRs! Mr Woodward will never be far away because of these marvelous inventions! R.I.P. Edward, GOD Bless!
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11-16-2009 @ 6:28PM
Europa said...
This makes me sad.
RIP Mr. Woodward and thank you.
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11-16-2009 @ 8:11PM
Paul said...
His portrayal of The Ghost of Christmas Past would have been a pivotal performance and a showcase role for almost any other actor, but in Mr. Woodward's body of work it was just another sterling and superb performance. It's unfortunate that for most American viewers his defining roll is of The Equalizer and even more so that he will have a new legion of fans curious about him after his passing. What an actor and what a pro!
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11-16-2009 @ 8:18PM
sinfoomein said...
He was a great actor! He will be missed! I loved watching him on tv. The Equalizer was a great show & I watch it whenever it is in syndication. Mr Woodward had a wonderful voice and will be sorely missed.
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11-16-2009 @ 8:26PM
scorpio9094 said...
Another quality actor passes away. Maybe he and Robert Lansing(his costar on Equalizer) are reminiscing right now.
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11-16-2009 @ 8:35PM
Debbie said...
Lovely gentleman I will miss him.
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11-16-2009 @ 8:55PM
SUSAN said...
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Edward Woodward. I loved THE EQUALIZER, especially since it was filmed in NYC.
Mr. Woodward had a long history of heart problems; he has quadruple bypass surgery about ten years ago.
May he rest in peace.
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11-16-2009 @ 8:56PM
wildlifeartistkc said...
He was a great actor and will miss him but glad there are movies we can rent or buy.... God Bless Mr Woodward.
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11-17-2009 @ 6:23PM
J said...
That's also my favorite version of A Christmas Carol. My mother and I watch it every year.
The Equalizer was a cool series. R.I.P. Mr. Woodward.
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11-16-2009 @ 9:08PM
ED said...
One of my favorite movies was Breaker Morant Mr Woodward was great in it along with a large Australian cast. God bless him & care for him.
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11-17-2009 @ 12:20AM
Frank said...
Breaker Morant was a very disturbing but excellent movie.
Mr. Woodward was excellent in it. So sorry to hear of his passing.
11-16-2009 @ 11:08PM
DagamePCharles said...
R.I.P. Edward
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11-16-2009 @ 9:20PM
William Kerns said...
I've made a point of sharing Edward Woodward's perfmance in Australian film "Breaker Morant" with my best friends. He was a superb actor.
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