The prolific Murray Melvin passed away at the age of 90, according to a report from The Guardian. He had a career that spanned decades as an actor, director, and theater archivist. Melvin passed away at the St. Thomas’ Hospital in London on Friday.
Some of his most significant roles were in the 2004 version of The Phantom of the Opera. He was also well-known for his character of Bilis Manger in the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood. His mighty career allowed him to meet and work with some of Hollywood’s best directors and actors. This included the legendary Stanley Kubrick and long-time star Michael Caine.
Melvin became a breakout star when he played the gay art student Geoffrey in A Taste of Honey. This made him a popular member of Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop company.
Russel T. Davies, screenwriter known for Doctor Who and Queer as Folk, had this to say on his Instagram: “Murray Melvin (1932-2023), 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 agent.”
Davies continued, “He lived through a century that saw the understanding of his identity change so profoundly, and he did so with dignity, class, and wit.” Davies also added the last time he was in contact with Melvin, “His last email to me ended, ‘Take care, we still cannot afford to take chances.’ Oh he was wise,” he penned sweetly, signing off: “Night, Murray.”
Murray Melvin will be missed, but his legacy will continue. Check out his filmography to see the range he portrayed on television, in cinema, and in theatre.
