holby.tv are sad to report that CASUALTY actor Simon MacCorkindale has died.
Simon, who played Consultant Harry Harper between 2002 – 2008, lost his fight with cancer, aged 58. His publicist, Max Clifford said he died in the arms of his wife, actress Susan George, on Thursday night in a London Clinic.
Simon revealed last year he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006 whilst still working on the medical drama, but was told it was terminal after it spread to his lungs a year later.
His wife Susan said, ‘No-one could have fought this disease any harder than he did since being diagnosed four years ago. He fought it with such strength, courage and belief. Last night, he lost this battle, and he died peacefully in my arms. To me, he was simply the best of everything, and I loved him with all my heart. He will live on in me forever.’
As well as his CASUALTY role, Simon was also known for starring in 1980’s series Manimal and Falcon Crest and appearing in the 1978 Agatha Christie film Death on the Nile.
After being diagnosed with cancer while working on CASUALTY, he left the drama and returned to the stage in the West End production of ‘The Sound of Music’ until its closed in February 2009. His last television appearance was on BBC series New Tricks earlier this month.
John Yorke, controller of BBC drama production, said the actor was owed a “massive debt” for his work in CASUALTY. ‘Not only was he a fabulously iconic consultant, he was also an inspirational team leader,’ Mr Yorke said.
‘One of the reasons so many people have loved working with him on Casualty is because of the tone he established on the shop floor – always welcoming, always disciplined, always quietly the leader. Simon had an extraordinary career encompassing – amongst many other things – matinee idol, Hollywood lead, film and theatre director, film producer and horse breeder. That amazing energy and appetite for life remained with him to the end.’
‘It is a massive tribute to Simon that he bore his illness so stoically – never asking for sympathy or attention, and continuing to work for as long as he was able. He will be missed massively by his many fans, and by everyone who worked with him.’
holby.tv send our sincere condolences to Simon’s family. He will be sorely missed by us all.
