The Archers star Ted Kelsey dies aged 88 as cast members pay heartbreaking tributes
Archers star Ted Kelsey has sadly passed away 88 (Picture: PA) Ted Kelsey, who was known for playing..
Ted Kelsey, who was known for playing Joe Grundy in The Archers, has sadly passed away at the age of 88.
The actor was a constant on the BBC Radio 4 soap for more than 34 years, as he brought his character to life back in 1985.
Since then he played the patriarch right up until April this year where he recorded his final episode, which is set to to air in the next few weeks.
His family confirmed the stars death, after he suffered from a bout of ill health.
They said: Ted counted himself immensely lucky that he was able to enjoy a long and varied career doing the thing that he loved, entertaining an audience, and fortunate indeed to have met and worked with so many talented, generous, creative people along the way.
He embodied the principle that the show must always go on.
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They continued: His chief concern through increasing ill health the need to convince medical staff he was fit enough to record with his “extended family” in Birmingham.
Jeremy Howe who is the editor of The Archers also paid his respects.
He said: Teds time in Ambridge gave us one of the great performances in the history of British radio – idiosyncratic, warm, cantankerous yet generous, dripping with the Grundy magic and wonderfully funny.
Teds Joe Grundy was a brilliant creation because Ted was a brilliant actor – and a truly lovely man and great company member.
A cherished part of our team, I am sure all of us will agree that working with Ted was a rare privilege and he will be very much missed.
Ted was also known for his role in a number of childrens programmes, where he voiced the characters Colonel K and Baron Silas Greenback in the much loved cartoon Danger Mouse.
As well as this, the voice over artist took on the role of Mr Growbag in Wallace and Gromits Curse of the Were-Rabbit.
The Archers official Twitter page was one of the first to post the sad news on to social media.
In a heartfelt message to their fans, bosses behind the account wrote: Were remembering Ted, Edward Kelsey, who died peacefully yesterday.
Ted played Joe Grundy for 34 years and was a much-loved and respected member of our Ambridge family.
Since then, tributes have been flooding in for the late star from his fellow Archers cast mates.
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James Cartwright wrote: There was never a greater thrill than to have Joe Grundy use your full characters name as he always did!
An honour to work with, a true character, a wonderful man and a superb actor. He will be sadly missed in the green room and on the show. God bless dear Read More – Source
