Peter Gilmore, who headed the cast of long-running BBC seafaring drama The Onedin Line, has died at the age of 81.
The star, who also appeared in a number of Carry On films, died at the Trinity Hospice in London after a "long illness", his family said.
The German-born actor clocked up appearances in numerous TV dramas such as Doctor Who, The Persuaders, Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Heartbeat.
Peter Gilmore and Marianne Faithfull
But he will be best remembered for his portrayal of the mutton-chopped lead, James Onedin, in 91 episodes of BBC One series The Onedin Line.
The saga - with its theme tune familiar to a generation - followed the fortunes of a family shipping line in the second half of the 19th century.
His co-star Jessica Benton said: "The Onedin Line was a very happy, long-running series to be involved in and that was all credit to Peter because he made it so.
"We all became very close friends over the years and had a lot of fun. Peter was a gentle man and a gentleman and we sorely miss him."
Among his many films, the actor appeared in popular comedies such as Carry On Up The Khyber and Carry On Henry and the ghoulish British horror film The Abominable Doctor Phibes.
Gilmore - who died on Sunday - was married to actress Una Stubbs for more than a decade and went on to marry Anne Stallybrass, who also played his wife in The Onedin Line.
His agent Primie Carey, of Roger Carey Associates, said: "On behalf of his wife Anne and Peter's family I would like to thank those who have sent their kind thoughts and condolences and would request their privacy is respected at this sad time."