Bill Treacher, who portrayed Arthur Fowler on EastEnders, has passed away at the age of 92, according to his family.
His family stated in a statement that the actor’s health “had been deteriorating for some months.”
“Bill was a terrific performer, as well as a beautiful husband and father, and a very fine individual. He would be missed much “they claimed,
The actor passed away on Saturday, according to his family, who added that he was “deeply loved by his wife, Kate, son, Jamie, and daughter, Sophie.”
Treacher appears on EastEnders between the years 1985 and 1996.
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “We received the news of Bill Treacher’s departure with profound sorrow. As a member of the show’s original cast, Bill established a much-loved character in Arthur Fowler and, along with Wendy Richard, an iconic family in the Fowlers, who remain the show’s core.
“Bill left EastEnders in 1996, so the fact that he is still so fondly remembered is a tribute to both him and the Arthur character he developed. Bill will be remembered forever for his charisma, sense of humor – with a smile that lit up the room – and, most significantly, his devotion to his wife and children.
“Everyone at EastEnders and all those who enjoyed watching him will forever hold Bill in the highest regard.”
Among those paying tribute were his co-stars Gillian Taylforth, who portrays Kathy Beale, and Letitia Dean, who portrays Sharon Watts.
Taylforth stated she had “so many pleasant memories of Bill” and added, “He always had a glitter in his eyes, typically just before he made us giggle with his cheeky antics during scenes.
Dean added: “Bill was truly the heart and spirit of the cast. As an actor, he was careful and went to great lengths to portray Arthur, from the most insignificant acts to the most devastating tales. Bill was a consummate professional and a great man.
Former EastEnders star, Adam Woodyatt, said: “So many memories of working with Bill, the majority of which involve him killing us.
“He was never held accountable when he flashed a glint in his eye, which prompted laughter. I used to enjoy it when, during rehearsal, he would bumble and babble until he uttered the correct line.”
Longtime Suffolk inhabitant, Treacher was married to Australian actress Katherine Kessey, with whom he shared two children.
In 2015, he disclosed that he had ataxia, a disease that can impair coordination, balance, and speech.
Treacher starred on EastEnders until 1996 when his disturbed character was convicted of a crime he did not commit and sentenced to prison.
Arthur suffered a mental collapse in prison and died of a cerebral hemorrhage a few days after his release in 1996 at his cherished allotment.
He passed away in the hospital, leaving the Fowler family devastated.
Treacher appeared in The Bill and Casualty, as well as films such as The Musketeer, Tale Of The Mummy, and George And The Dragon after his character was killed off.
