Rodney Bewes Dead: ‘The Likely Lads’ Actor Dies, Aged 79

Ant and Dec are among those who have paid tribute.

Actor Rodney Bewes has died at the age of 79, his agent has confirmed.

Rodney starred in a number of popular TV shows during his decades in the entertainment industry and is most famous for his role as Bob Ferris in the BBC sitcom ‘The Likely Lads’.

Rodney in 2007
Rodney in 2007
Chris Jackson via Getty Images

Sharing news of his death on Tuesday (21 November) evening, his agent said (via the BBC): “It is with great sadness that we confirm that our dear client, the much-loved actor Rodney Bewes, passed away this morning.

“He had a funny anecdote for every occasion. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. We will miss him terribly.”

BBC Comedy controller Shane Allen hailed ‘The Likely Lads’ as “one of the all-time great BBC sitcoms; timeless in its humour and will be enjoyed for decades to come”, while a number of famous faces have paid tribute online:

We are very sad to hear of the passing of Rodney Bewes, a fine comic actor who we had the honour of meeting and working with. He will live on through Bob Ferris and the brilliant Likely Lads. RIP

— antanddec (@antanddec) November 21, 2017

Rodney Bewes, gone.
Our childhood homes demolished brick by brick.
A face that coloured our week when the world was still black and white.
Thank you for our together days.#TheLikelyLads

— Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) November 21, 2017

Everybody at Chelsea FC has been saddened to learn of the death of Rodney Bewes, a much-loved actor, fan of the Blues and regular Stamford Bridge visitor.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 21, 2017

RIP Rodney Bewes. Likely Lads one of THE great sitcoms.

— Jack Dee (@TheRealJackDee) November 21, 2017

Managed to avoid the news that Rodney Bewes passed away until after the football highlights. Loved The Likely Lads. #RIP

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 21, 2017

Very sad to hear the news of Rodney Bewes passing away. Brilliant man. Such a sad loss. D x

— Derek Griffiths (@DerekGriffiths) November 21, 2017

Rodney landed his first role at the age of 14 and went on to train at RADA.

His TV credits include ‘Z-Cars’ and ‘Doctor Who’, and Rodney remained working in his later years, starring in a number of theatre productions.

He’s survived by his four children and two grandchildren.

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