Port Pirie’s greatest export and most loved actor has died in England, aged 88. Keith Michell was regarded as one of the legends of Australian theatre and was most recognised for his unforgettable role as King Henry VIII in the TV blockbuster series The Six Wives of Henry VIII.
He won a BAFTA for Best Actor and a US Television Emmy Award for the “Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a leading role” in 1972.
Tributes have rolled in for the beloved actor, with SA Premier Jay Weatherill saying he would be “remembered with great affection”.
Port Pirie mayor John Rohde said, “He certainly is a favourite son of our city but it is a sad loss for the world community,” reports News Corp.
Michell also had a 1980 hit – “Captain Beaky”, which rose to No.5 on the UK Singles Chart.
He is said to have died peacefully at his home in Hampstead, England yesterday morning with his family at his bedside.
Michell is survived by wife Jeanette Sterke, his two children Paul and Helena and grandchildren, Millie, Matilde and Joe Luca.
Do you remember Keith Michell?