Donald Douglas obit

Donald Douglas: Scottish actor who played Colin Firth's dad in Bridget Jones films dies aged 92 after 'short illness'

 

He was not on the list.

Scottish actor Donald Douglas, who was best known for his role in the Bridget Jones films, has died at the age of 92.

The actor is known to fans of the romcom franchise for his portrayal of Admiral Darcy, the father of Colin Firth’s character Mark Darcy. He appeared in three films in the beloved series - Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, and Bridget Jones’s Baby.

Douglas’s passing was confirmed in an obituary notice posted online, which read: “Dear family and friends, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Douglas on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Albi.”

The actor, who was born and raised in Falkirk, passed away in France, where he resided for many years. Close friend Meredith Wheeler also posted a tribute to Douglas on YouTube, in which she said: “A tribute to our dear friend, Donald Douglas, who left the stage in mid-January 2026 while hospitalized in Albi, France, after a short illness. He was 92 years old.”

She added: “Donald was talented in so many ways apart from acting and performing. A playful and gifted artist, he worked with all kinds of media, from sculpture to paint. He was an expert in ceramic restoration. He laid a beautiful table and was a fabulous cook. It was a joy to attend a meal at his beautiful home with his partner, Emma Temple.

“He was a great equestrian along with Emma and loved his dogs. His gardening was stunning as the montage illustrates. He had an impish sense of humor and a generous heart. He is survived by Emma, and three beautiful daughters--Amy, Liza and Jodie--along with five grandchildren.

“He was much loved and appreciated by his community in the Tarn where he operated an English-speaking theatre for many years, performing, directing and producing--adding to the cultural life of the region. Farewell, dear Donald. You will be greatly missed.”

Douglas had other notable roles, including portraying Captain Malcolm McNeil in the 1970s television series Poldark, and playing Peter Cunningham in 37 episodes of the Scottish soap opera Take The High Road. He also made brief appearances in shows such as EastEnders, Casualty, Poirot, Doctor Who, The Avengers, Taggart, Kavanagh QC, The Crown, and Monarch of the Glen among many others.

Douglas also appeared in film productions including A Bridge Too Far and Highlander: Endgame. His final on-screen appearance came in the 2021 drama film Nobody Has To Know.

Actor

Nobody Has to Know (2021)

Nobody Has to Know

6.6

Nigel's Man Handler

2021

 

Elizabeth Debicki in The Crown (2016)

The Crown

8.6

TV Series

Lord Chambarlaine

2020

1 episode

 

Colin Firth, Renée Zellweger, and Patrick Dempsey in Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)

Bridget Jones's Baby

6.4

Admiral Darcy

2016

 

An Enemy to Die For (2012)

An Enemy to Die For

5.9

British Admiral

2012

 

Losing It (2006)

Losing It

7.0

TV Movie

Desmond

2006

 

Richard Briers, Susan Hampshire, and Alastair Mackenzie in Monarch of the Glen (2000)

Monarch of the Glen

7.8

TV Series

Dr. Gordon McKendrick

2004–2005

3 episodes

 

Wire in the Blood (2002)

Wire in the Blood

8.2

TV Series

Bishop Fordham

2005

1 episode

 

Colin Firth, Renée Zellweger, and Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

6.0

Admiral Darcy

2004

 

The Last King (2003)

The Last King

7.5

TV Mini Series

Lord Coleraine

2003

1 episode

 

Canterbury Tales (2003)

Canterbury Tales

7.2

TV Mini Series

Judge

2003

1 episode

 

Casualty (1986)

Casualty

6.2

TV Series

Teddy

2003

1 episode

 

The Key (2003)

The Key

7.8

TV Series

Leckie Senior

2003

1 episode

 

Happiness (2001)

Happiness

7.3

TV Series

Judge

2003

1 episode

 

A Is for Acid (2002)

A Is for Acid

6.9

TV Movie

William McSwan

2002

 

The Armando Iannucci Shows (2001)

The Armando Iannucci Shows

8.3

TV Series

2001

5 episodes

 

Sweet Revenge (2001)

Sweet Revenge

7.2

TV Mini Series

Patrick's father

2001

 

Now You See Her

5.4

TV Movie

Brannigan

2001

 

Johnny Depp and Heather Graham in From Hell (2001)

From Hell

6.7

Hospital Director

2001

 

Pip Torrens and Tom Ward in The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells (2001)

The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells

7.5

TV Mini Series

Chairman at Praecentors

2001

6 episodes

 

Perfect World (2000)

Perfect World

8.2

TV Series

Professor Harris

2001

1 episode

 

Peak Practice (1993)

Peak Practice

6.5

TV Series

Coroner

2001

1 episode

 

Colin Firth, Renée Zellweger, and Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Bridget Jones's Diary

6.8

Mr. Darcy

2001

 

Second Sight (1999)

Second Sight: Hide and Seek

7.3

TV Movie

Dr. Peters

2000

 

Helen Mirren, Danny Dyer, Adam Fogerty, Paterson Joseph, David Kelly, and Clive Owen in Greenfingers (2000)

Greenfingers

6.8

Nigel

2000

 

Christopher Lambert and Adrian Paul in Highlander: Endgame (2000)

Highlander: Endgame

4.6

Father Rainey

2000

 

Bomber

6.6

TV Movie

Alfred Smith

2000

 

Second Sight (1999)

Second Sight

7.1

TV Movie

Dr. Peters

1999

 

Horizon (1964)

Horizon

8.6

TV Series

Colonel Ratcliffe

1999

1 episode

 

Michelle Holmes, Dervla Kirwan, and Nicholas Lyndhurst in Goodnight Sweetheart (1993)

Goodnight Sweetheart

7.4

TV Series

Angus

1999

1 episode

 

Wonderful You (1999)

Wonderful You

7.9

TV Mini Series

Fred

1999

1 episode

 

Kavanagh QC (1995)

Kavanagh QC

7.7

TV Series

Mr. Justice HalliwellMr. Justice Danforth

1996–1999

3 episodes

 

What Rats Won't Do (1998)

What Rats Won't Do

6.1

Diner on Boat

1998

 

Keith Barron and Sheila Hancock in Close Relations (1998)

Close Relations

7.5

TV Mini Series

Derek

1998

2 episodes

 

Toby Stephens in Photographing Fairies (1997)

Photographing Fairies

6.7

Judge

1997

 

Chris Barrie, Tim Bentinck, Susie Blake, Francesca Hunt, Cliff Parisi, Samantha Power, and Bryan Pringle in A Prince Among Men (1997)

A Prince Among Men

5.8

TV Series

Chief Commissioner

1997

1 episode

 

Colin Blumenau, Nula Conwell, Peter Ellis, Trudie Goodwin, Jon Iles, Gary Olsen, Eric Richard, John Salthouse, Tony Scannell, Jeff Stewart, and Mark Wingett in The Bill (1984)

The Bill

6.7

TV Series

Mr. FergusonPrison GovernorJudge Embry

1991–1996

3 episodes

 

EastEnders (1985)

EastEnders

4.8

TV Series

Hugh Aitken

1995

3 episodes

 

Jim Broadbent in The Last Englishman (1995)

The Last Englishman

8.1

TV Movie

Doctor (1934)

1995

 

A Mind to Murder (1995)

A Mind to Murder

6.6

TV Movie

Asst Commissioner Hart

1995

 

Patrick Malahide and William Simons in Alleyn Mysteries (1990)

Alleyn Mysteries

7.6

TV Series

Sir George Alleyn

1994

1 episode

 

Calling the Shots (1993)

Calling the Shots

7.6

TV Mini Series

Tom

1994

1 episode

 

Mark McManus in Taggart (1983)

Taggart

7.4

TV Series

Ian Duncan

1993

3 episodes

 

Serena Scott Thomas in Diana: Her True Story (1993)

Diana: Her True Story

4.8

TV Movie

Prince Philip

1993

 

Trainer (1991)

Trainer

8.1

TV Series

Newman

1992

1 episode

 

Robin McCaffrey in Creatures of Light (1992)

Creatures of Light

Minister

1992

 

David Suchet in Poirot (1989)

Poirot

8.6

TV Series

Franklin Clarke

1992

1 episode

 

Redemption Song (1991)

Redemption Song

TV Mini Series

Thomas Thistlewood (voice)

1991

1 episode

 

The Campbells (1986)

The Campbells

8.0

TV Series

Rev. Goff

1990

1 episode

 

Boon (1986)

Boon

6.5

TV Series

Head Bison

1989

1 episode

 

She's Been Away (1989)

She's Been Away

7.3

Lillian's Father

1989

 

Charles Dance and Ian Fleming in Goldeneye (1989)

Goldeneye

6.1

TV Movie

Lord Kemsley

1989

 

Gerard Kelly in City Lights (1984)

City Lights

7.8

TV Series

George

1988

1 episode

 

Perry King in The Man Who Lived at the Ritz (1988)

The Man Who Lived at the Ritz

6.7

TV Movie

Major Ritter

1988

 

John Nettles in Bergerac (1981)

Bergerac

6.9

TV Series

Philips

1988

1 episode

 

Screen Two (1984)

Screen Two

6.6

TV Series

Martin Urban's father

1988

1 episode

 

Take the High Road (1980)

Take the High Road

7.0

TV Series

Peter Cunningham

1980–1987

37 episodes

 

First Among Equals (1986)

First Among Equals

8.0

TV Mini Series

Sir Philip Alexander

1986

1 episode

 

Executive Stress (1986)

Executive Stress

7.3

TV Series

Tony Lloyd

1986

1 episode

 

Fresh Fields (1984)

Fresh Fields

6.6

TV Series

Dr. Summers

1986

1 episode

 

Bluebell (1986)

Bluebell

8.5

TV Series

Jacques-Charles

1986

1 episode

 

George Cole in Minder (1979)

Minder

7.8

TV Series

Scots WinetasterMr. Prosser

1980–1985

2 episodes

 

Kenneth Cranham in Shine on Harvey Moon (1982)

Shine on Harvey Moon

7.6

TV Series

Prosecution Counsel

1985

1 episode

 

Mr. Palfrey of Westminster (1984)

Mr. Palfrey of Westminster

7.7

TV Series

Bunny Kingston

1985

1 episode

 

Lace II (1985)

Lace II

5.7

TV Movie

Major Clark

1985

 

Scotland's Story (1984)

Scotland's Story

7.6

TV Series

Sir Walter ScottWilliam Paterson

1984

3 episodes

 

Paul McCartney in Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984)

Give My Regards to Broad Street

5.2

Police Detective

1984

 

The Brief (1984)

The Brief

TV Series

Commander Sharman

1984

1 episode

 

King's Royal (1982)

King's Royal

8.7

TV Series

Newlands

1983

1 episode

 

Jackanory (1965)

Jackanory

7.2

TV Series

Storyteller

1976–1983

9 episodes

 

Young Sherlock: The Mystery of the Manor House (1982)

Young Sherlock: The Mystery of the Manor House

7.1

TV Series

Colonel Turnbull

1982

7 episodes

 

Angela Down, Liza Goddard, and Susan Jameson in Take Three Women (1982)

Take Three Women

7.4

TV Series

Andrew Griffith

1982

2 episodes

 

Cloud Howe (1982)

Cloud Howe

7.8

TV Mini Series

Dalziel of Meiklebogs

1982

4 episodes

 

Anthony Hopkins and Robert Foxworth in Peter and Paul (1981)

Peter and Paul

7.5

TV Movie

Burrus

1981

 

Sense and Sensibility (1981)

Sense and Sensibility

6.7

TV Mini Series

Sir John Middleton

1981

5 episodes

 

Jackanory Playhouse

8.7

TV Series

King Cedric

1981

1 episode

 

The House with the Green Shutters

TV Movie

Gibson

1980

 

Blake's 7 (1978)

Blake's 7

8.1

TV Series

Major Grenlee

1980

1 episode

 

Dick Barton: Special Agent (1979)

Dick Barton: Special Agent

6.8

TV Series

Hetherington

1979

4 episodes

 

Lewis Collins, Gordon Jackson, and Martin Shaw in The Professionals (1977)

The Professionals

8.0

TV Series

Eric Sutton

1977

1 episode

 

1990 (1977)

1990

7.5

TV Series

Dr. Gelbert

1977

1 episode

 

Kate Binchy in Here I Stand... (1977)

Here I Stand...

TV Series

Giles Wiggington

1977

1 episode

 

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

A Bridge Too Far

7.4

Brig Lathbury

1977

 

Mikel Lambert in The Mackinnons (1977)

The Mackinnons

6.7

TV Series

Angus Stuart

1977

1 episode

 

Once Upon a Union

TV Movie

Baillie of Jerviswood

1977

 

Seal Island (1976)

Seal Island

James Murray the Warden

1976

 

Couples (1975)

Couples

4.5

TV Series

Stephen Hunt

1976

9 episodes

 

Poldark (1975)

Poldark

8.3

TV Series

Capt. Malcolm McNeil

1975–1976

7 episodes

 

The Hill of the Red Fox (1975)

The Hill of the Red Fox

8.4

TV Mini Series

Murdo Beaton

1975

6 episodes

 

Five Red Herrings (1975)

Five Red Herrings

8.0

TV Mini Series

Hugh Farren

1975

2 episodes

 

Helen Ryan and Timothy West in Edward the King (1975)

Edward the King

8.2

TV Mini Series

Sir William Gordon Cumming

1975

1 episode

 

Margaret Ashcroft, Glynn Edwards, Anna Palk, John Stride, and John Wentworth in The Main Chance (1969)

The Main Chance

7.7

TV Series

Philip Betton

1975

1 episode

 

Paul McGann, Colin Baker, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, William Hartnell, Sylvester McCoy, Jon Pertwee, and Patrick Troughton in Doctor Who (1963)

Doctor Who

8.4

TV Series

Vural

1975

2 episodes

 

Don Henderson, Diane Keen, Peter Sallis, and Don Warrington in Crown Court (1972)

Crown Court

7.4

TV Series

William Gross

1974

1 episode

 

Emma Blake and Hans Meyer in Heidi (1974)

Heidi

8.0

TV Mini Series

Dr. Classen

1974

2 episodes

 

Iain Cuthbertson in Sutherland's Law (1973)

Sutherland's Law

7.8

TV Series

Alan Miller

1974

1 episode

 

The President's Last Tape

TV Movie

Frank

1974

 

Anthony Valentine, Margaret Lockwood, and John Stone in Justice (1971)

Justice

7.6

TV Series

Robert McGregor

1974

1 episode

 

Second City Firsts (1973)

Second City Firsts

5.4

TV Series

Keith Peters

1974

1 episode

 

Stratford Johns in Barlow at Large (1971)

Barlow at Large

6.8

TV Series

James Dark

1973

1 episode

 

Anthony Hopkins in War & Peace (1972)

War & Peace

8.2

TV Series

Tsar Alexander I

1972–1973

6 episodes

 

William Russell and Judy Matheson in Harriet's Back in Town (1972)

Harriet's Back in Town

7.0

TV Series

Fritz

1973

2 episodes

 

Roddy McMillan in The View from Daniel Pike (1971)

The View from Daniel Pike

8.4

TV Series

Lowther

1972

1 episode

 

Pathfinders (1972)

Pathfinders

7.7

TV Series

Squadron Leader Peter Parr

1972

1 episode

 

Anna Cropper in Dead of Night (1972)

Dead of Night

7.3

TV Series

Hazelhurst

1972

1 episode

 

James Maxwell in The Shadow of the Tower (1972)

The Shadow of the Tower

7.7

TV Series

Sir Thomas Broughton

1972

2 episodes

 

Peter Gilmore and Anne Stallybrass in The Onedin Line (1971)

The Onedin Line

7.6

TV Series

Major Morrison

1972

1 episode

 

Ray Barrett, Geoffrey Keen, and Philip Latham in Mogul (1965)

Mogul

7.1

TV Series

Tom Hart

1971

1 episode

 

Play for Today (1970)

Play for Today

7.8

TV Series

James MacleodRonald - CeliaRobert Walsh

1970–1971

3 episodes

 

Budgie (1971)

Budgie

7.6

TV Series

Tony Pringle

1971

2 episodes

 

Richard Beckinsale, Freddie Fletcher, Bernard Hepton, Arthur Lowe, Jack Rosenthal, and Paula Wilcox in ITV Playhouse (1967)

ITV Playhouse

7.1

TV Series

John RobertsSimon

1971

2 episodes

 

Softly Softly: Task Force (1969)

Softly Softly: Task Force

7.4

TV Series

Fisher

1971

1 episode

 

BBC Play of the Month (1965)

BBC Play of the Month

7.1

TV Series

Lennox

1970

1 episode

 

Kaz Garas, Anthony Quayle, and Anneke Wills in Strange Report (1969)

Strange Report

8.2

TV Series

Leonard Grey

1969

1 episode

 

Patrick O'Connell and Joanna Van Gyseghem in Fraud Squad (1969)

Fraud Squad

7.0

TV Series

Angus Dalziel

1969

1 episode

 

Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1962)

Dr. Finlay's Casebook

7.7

TV Series

Mr. McCullochHamish Graeme

1967–1969

2 episodes

 

The Wednesday Play (1964)

The Wednesday Play

7.3

TV Series

Adrian BrintonStanley

1968–1969

2 episodes

 

The Avengers (1961)

The Avengers

8.3

TV Series

Major Parsons

1969

1 episode

 

Middlemarch (1968)

Middlemarch

TV Mini Series

Dr. Lydgate

1968

7 episodes

 

Detective (1964)

Detective

6.9

TV Series

Percy ArmitageArthur Penfold

1964–1968

2 episodes

 

The Newcomers (1965)

The Newcomers

7.1

TV Series

Gerald Harrison

1967

33 episodes

 

Mr. Rose (1967)

Mr. Rose

8.2

TV Series

Inspector Dalby

1967

1 episode

 

Steve Forrest and Sue Lloyd in The Baron (1966)

The Baron

7.1

TV Series

Douglas Macrae

1967

1 episode

 

Thirty-Minute Theatre (1965)

Thirty-Minute Theatre

6.9

TV Series

Harry Fox

1966

1 episode

 

Oliver Reed in R3 (1964)

R3

8.5

TV Series

Commentator

1965

1 episode

 

Isobel Black and Donald Douglas in Witch Wood (1964)

Witch Wood

TV Series

David Sempill

1964

4 episodes

 

Sherlock Holmes (1964)

Sherlock Holmes

7.5

TV Series

Percy Armitage

1964

1 episode

 

Moonstrike (1963)

Moonstrike

8.4

TV Series

Flight Lieutenant Bill Crawford

1963

5 episodes

 

Out of This World (1962)

Out of This World

7.9

TV Series

Adams

1962

1 episode

 

Tom Fleming in Rob Roy (1961)

Rob Roy

TV Series

Frank Osbaldistone

1961

7 episodes

 

Alec Guinness in Tunes of Glory (1960)

Tunes of Glory

7.5

Minor Role (uncredited)

1960

 

Redgauntlet

TV Series

Darsie Latimer

1959

6 episodes

 

Soundtrack

Poldark (1975)

Poldark

8.3

TV Series

performer: "How Happy Could I Be With Either" (uncredited)

1976

1 episode

 

Self

Ian Cullen and Toby Hadoke in Who's Round (2013)

Who's Round

8.6

Podcast Series

Self (voice)

2019

1 episode

 

Melvyn Bragg in The South Bank Show (1978)

The South Bank Show

7.1

TV Series

Self - The Committee

1979

1 episode

 

Aquarius (1970)

Aquarius

6.4

TV Series

Self

1971

1 episode

 

Archive Footage

Bridget Jones's Diary: Behind the Scenes - Resolutions of a Tragic Spinster

6.8

Video

Self - Mr. Darcy (archive footage, uncredited)

2001

 

Dick Barton: Special Agent (1979)

Dick Barton: Special Agent

6.8

TV Series

Hetherington (archive footage, uncredited)

1979

1 episode