EastEnders legend Leonard Fenton has died aged 95.
The actor, who played Dr Harold Legg, starred in the first ever episode of the BBC soap, and made his last appearance on the show in 2019.
A statement from his family said: “The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29. Best known for his role as Dr Legg on EastEnders, Leonard’s acting career spanned more than 60 years.”
Leonard Fenton’s family have shared a statement with us, announcing that he has very sadly passed away, at the age of 95. To read the full statement, please visit our official EastEnders Facebook or Instagram pages. Our love and thoughts are with Leonard's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/jjd6A8Fchx
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 31, 2022
“He worked in TV and film and his long stage career included time at the National Theatre and most recently the Royal Shakespeare Company. He felt privileged to have worked with some of the greats of the theatre, including Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller.”
“His passion for painting and singing pre-dated his acting career and was equally as important to him. He will be missed beyond words by his family. We feel incredibly lucky to have been able to be with him as his health worsened towards the end – a privilege denied to so many during these tough times,” they added.
An EastEnders spokesperson added: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Leonard has passed away. Since appearing in the very first episode of EastEnders, Leonard created a truly iconic character in Doctor Legg who will always be remembered. Our love and thoughts are with Leonard’s family and friends.”
Check out some of the tributes to Leonard, who appeared in a total of 267 episodes of EastEnders, below:
Doctor Legg was such an iconic character.
RIP Leonard Fenton 💔 #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/ErnQCDcqBM— Martin Hearn (@_WalfordGazette) January 31, 2022
I assumed Dr Legg would be around forever. Sad news. RIP Leonard Fenton. My thoughts are with his family and friends and all who knew him at EastEnders. pic.twitter.com/tsD9w8lbXr
— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) January 31, 2022
R.I.P Leonard Fenton 💔
You were absolutely fantastic as Dr Legg and you’ll truly be missed by everyone ✨
My thoughts are with Leonard’s family and friends during this very sad time 💜 https://t.co/r5iz7gXOku
— Matthew Smith 🏳️🌈 (@TheTimelessNerd) January 31, 2022
Leonard Fenton has died. I feel like I've lost a limb…
— Mr S Kelbot (@MKelbot) January 31, 2022
RIP Leonard Fenton aged 95
Aka Dr Legg 🕯 #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/NPNZ3LI6IC— suzyallthatglitters (@suzyglitter1) January 31, 2022