‘The Sweeney’ star Dennis Waterman dies, age 74

Iconic cockney actor Dennis Waterman, star of British shows New Tricks, The Sweeney and Minder, has passed away, age 74.

Waterman specialised in portraying law enforcement figures and rose to fame in the ’70s with his role as Detective Sergeant George Carter in The Sweeney and retired police officer solving unsolved crimes, Gerry Standing, in New Tricks, 2003. Waterman’s favourite role throughout his career was bodyguard Terry McCann in the comedy-drama series Minder, 1979.

The beloved star’s family released a statement announcing his passing on Sunday, May 8.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully in hospital in Spain, on Sunday afternoon, with [his wife] Pam by his side. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time,” the statement read.

Waterman was born in London in 1948 and began his acting pursuits at the young age of 12 when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Waterman’s broad acting career included stints in theatre, in popular roles such as Alfred Doolittle in a Royal National Theatre production of My Fair Lady.

Colleagues of Waterman and fans of the star shared their condolences over his passing on social media.

I grew up watching Dennis Waterman’s iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder. His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo – in which he hilariously duetted with David’s absurd impersonation of him – remains the absolute highlight of my career. pic.twitter.com/RsTrABh5Br

— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) May 8, 2022

RIP Dennis Waterman. When I worked with him on “New Tricks” he made me the best cups of tea. And of course I just spent the time grilling him about “Scars of Dracula”.

— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 8, 2022

RIP Dennis Waterman, 74.
Star of Minder, New Tricks and for me, his finest role – as Detective George Carter in The Sweeney opposite the late, great John Thaw.
Superb actor and a great character. Sad news. pic.twitter.com/KqrXTo7lQj

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 8, 2022

Here’s to dear Dennis Waterman .. RIP mate .. my condolences to your family .

— Larry Lamb (@larrylamb47) May 8, 2022

Myself and my Phoenix Nights cast mates used to sing the theme tune to Minder on tour and on the Karaoke! Gutted I never got to meet him, always wanted to be Terry McCann. Another icon from my childhood gone. RIP Dennis Waterman. pic.twitter.com/KzXMLk6r7p

— Paddy McGuinness ???? (@PaddyMcGuinness) May 8, 2022

He married four times throughout his life, his first union with Penny Dixon lasted nine years before he married actress Patricia Maynard. Maynard and Waterman had two children in their decade long relationship, Hannah and Julia.

Waterman went on to marry Rula Lenska, staying together for 12 years before his eventual marriage to Pam Flint in 2011.

As well as his acting credits, Waterman had a successful singing career, releasing three albums in the 1970s and ’80s, including singing the theme songs for many of his shows.