Murray Melvin dead at 90 – Star of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood and Phantom Of The Opera dies as tributes flood in

LEGENDARY star of The Phantom of the Opera, Murray Melvin, has sadly passed away aged 90.

The much loved actor was also recognised for his main role in Torchwood, a Doctor Who spin-off.

Tributes have poured in following the respected actor and author’s death.

Screenwriter and producer Russel T Davies shared his condolences, and said: “Murray Melvin, bless him, he played the wonderful villain in Torchwood, Bilis Manger, and he loved it! But what a career!

“He created the great, gay Geoffrey in A Taste of Honey, on stage and on film. Tons of work with Joan Littlewood and Ken Russell. Amazing. Such a gent.

“He lived through a century that saw the understanding of his identity change so profoundly, and he did so with dignity, class and wit.”

The iconic TV star has worked with big names throughout his successful career, including Joan Littlewood, Ken Russell and Stanley Kubrick.

He wrote two books demonstrating his passion for the industry, The Art of Theatre Workshop and The Theatre Royal, A History of the Building.

Born August 10, 1932, in St Pancras, London, Melvin is perhaps best known for his roles in The Phantom of The Opera, 2004, A Taste of Honey, 1961 and Barry Lyndon 1975.