Clive Swift has died aged 82, it has been confirmed.
“After a short illness Clive died peacefully at home this morning surrounded by his family,” a representative for the star said.
The popular comedy actor made a name for himself on the BBC’s long-running and hugely-popular television favourite Keeping Up Appearances, where he played Richard Bucket.
The actor starred alongside Patricia Routledge, who played the highly-strung and hilarious “Mrs Hyacinth Bucket”, and the pair became an instant hit on the show.
Clive was born in Liverpool in 1936, before going on to be educated at Clifton College and Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge.
The aspiring actor eventually went on to be involved in the Royal Shakespeare Company, but before that he continued to receive a stellar education.
He studied English Literature at university and went on to become a teacher at LAMDA and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Clive was married to novelist Margaret Drabble from 1960-75 and fathered one daughter, Rebecca and two sons, Adam and Joe.
Rebecca sadly passed away in 2017.
In December 2007 the actor appeared in a Doctor Who Christmas special, playing an iconic role as Mr Copper.
Only Fools and Horse star John Challis led the tributes to his industry colleague, saying: “So sorry to hear that Clive Swift has died. My condolences to his family and to his son Joe.
“Lovely to see them here together enjoying a bit of cricket.”
Devastated to hear the news, fans also flocked to social media to share their thoughts for the comedy star and his family as the news broke.
“RIP Clive Swift. And I’ve only just learned that he was, for a while, married to Margaret Drabble…” one person posted.
Another shared: “RIP Clive Swift…
“Oh. Richard. Sorry to hear of the passing of Clive Swift…” a third agreed.
A fourth commented: “Sad news about Clive Swift…’
Clive once reflected on his decision to take the role of Richard in Keeping Up Appearances, admitting he wasn’t prepared for the fame that would follow.
“I could walk the street unrecognised, but all that changed with Keeping Up Appearances…,” he told The Mirror.
“That show is the only proper money I’ve earned, because it was a global success.
“It’s [also] given me a good pension that I might never have had,” the star added at the time.