David Killick obit

The Crown and Touch of Frost star dies after 'respected' 60-year career

The actor made appearances in The Crown and Midsomer Murders

 

He was not on the list.

David Killick has died aged 87 following a short illness. The beloved actor was a familiar face on British TV for decades, most notably known for his role as a pathologist in the 90s drama Touch of Frost.

He most recently starred as Mess President in season five of Netflix's The Crown.

In a statement from his agent, Stanton Davidson Associates, the actor's passing was confirmed: "It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our much loved friend and client David Killick, who died peacefully on Friday 4th July at St John’s Hospice, North London after a short illness.

"David was an actor for over 60 years, loved the business and his fellow actors, and was loved and respected in his turn by all who were lucky enough to work with him. He will be sorely missed."

David's film and TV career

David's distinguished career saw him grace numerous shows, including the ITV detective series A Touch of Frost, where he starred alongside Sir David Jason.

His film and TV career began in the 1970s, when he appeared in A Bridge Too Far, Minder, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and Terry and June.

More recently, a new generation of fans came to appreciate his talents through his role as Mess President in the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Crown.

Beyond TV, David also starred in a number of reputable stage productions, from A Room With A View and The Importance of Being Ernest to The Crucible, Witness for the Prosecution and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf.

He is also attributed for his voice acting in Doctor Who: The Lost Stories and The Judgement of Sherlock Holmes.

His extensive TV credits include appearances in classic shows such as The Bill, Midsomer Murders and Without Motive.

Tributes come pouring in

Fans and supporters took to the comments of Stanton Davidson Associates' announcement, which was posted to Instagram, to offer their condolences.

Actor Rhîan McLean wrote: "The formidable Mr Killick. So pleased I had the honour to share the stage with him during his last job. Even more of an honour to know him. RIP Sir Killick x"

Meanwhile, another industry professional said: "So sorry to hear of this. David was always an utter joy to cast in a company, as well as being a wonderful actor. Will be much missed."

David Killick's contributions to British television will be fondly remembered by colleagues and audiences alike. Tributes continue to follow the announcement, as his supporters celebrate his life and legacy.

Actor

Elizabeth Debicki in The Crown (2016)

The Crown

8.6

TV Series

Mess President

2022

1 episode

 

Mark Benton and Jo Joyner in Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators (2018)

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators

7.6

TV Series

Judge Brimble

2019

1 episode

 

Michael Benz, David Suchet, Philip Cumbus, Emily Barber, and Imogen Doel in The Importance of Being Earnest on Stage (2015)

The Importance of Being Earnest on Stage

8.3

Lane

2015

 

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Sherlock Holmes

Podcast Series

Lord Colney (voice)

2014

4 episodes

 

Gnomeland

Short

(voice)

2013

 

Daniel Morrisey in For George (2012)

For George

Short

Ted

2012

 

Doctor Who: The Lost Stories (2009)

Doctor Who: The Lost Stories

7.9

Podcast Series

Professor Cornelius Perkins (voice)

2012

1 episode

 

Blithe Spirit

Dr. Bradman

2008

 

James Corden, Sacha Dhawan, Richard Griffiths, Andrew Knott, Russell Tovey, Dominic Cooper, Samuel Barnett, Samuel Anderson, and Jamie Parker in The History Boys (2006)

The History Boys

6.8

Neighbouring Don

2006

 

Without Motive (2000)

Without Motive

7.2

TV Series

Compton

2001

1 episode

 

Annette Badland, Neil Dudgeon, and Nick Hendrix in Midsomer Murders (1997)

Midsomer Murders

7.9

TV Series

Waiter

2000

1 episode

 

The Bill (1984)

The Bill

6.7

TV Series

Myers

1996

1 episode

 

The Famous Five (1995)

The Famous Five

7.3

TV Series

Government Official

1995

1 episode

 

Theresa Russell, Alan Bates, and Sting in Gentlemen Don't Eat Poets (1995)

Gentlemen Don't Eat Poets

5.5

Sir Humphrey Stoker

1995

 

Warren Clarke, Jojo, Zizi, Zak, Tricky Nicky, Leo Piper, and Spangles in Moving Story (1994)

Moving Story

7.7

TV Series

Solicitor

1995

1 episode

 

David Jason in A Touch of Frost (1992)

A Touch of Frost

7.9

TV Series

Pathologist

1992–1995

3 episodes

 

Ian McShane in Lovejoy (1986)

Lovejoy

7.8

TV Series

Lamerton

1993

1 episode

 

The fairy queen (La reine des fées)

8.2

TV Movie

Egeus

1989

 

Screen Two (1984)

Screen Two

6.4

TV Series

Clerk of the Court

1989

1 episode

 

Worlds Beyond (1986)

Worlds Beyond

6.9

TV Series

SPR Librarian

1987

1 episode

 

Unnatural Causes (1986)

Unnatural Causes

6.8

TV Series

Dennis

1986

1 episode

 

No Place Like Home (1983)

No Place Like Home

6.7

TV Series

Clerk Of The Court

1986

1 episode

 

Terry and June (1979)

Terry and June

6.4

TV Series

Usher

1985

1 episode

 

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady (1984)

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

6.9

TV Series

Bernard's Counsel

1984

1 episode

 

George Cole in Minder (1979)

Minder

7.8

TV Series

D.C. Harney

1979

1 episode

 

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

A Bridge Too Far

7.4

Soldier

1977