Norman Eshley, who starred in Orson Welles’ The Immortal Story and later gained fame in the ITV comedy series George and Mildred, has died. He was at 80.
The British actor died on August 2 at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where he had been battling cancer.
His agent, Thomas Bowington, told The Independent that Eshley died with his wife, Rachel, by his side. “(He was) a warm, kind and grounded man with a great voice that I will miss not hearing over the phone again.”
Welles cast Eshley as Paul, the sailor, opposite Jeanne Moreau in the French television movie. Shot partially at Welles’ home in Spain, it was based on the story by Danish writer Karen Blixen, more widely known by her pen name Isak Dinesen.
Last year, Eshley recalled making his film debut in The Immortal Story and working with Welles in Greg Lewis’ insightful Talking Film podcast.
Eshley had fond memories of Welles and how the film opened doors for him. During the interview, he called Welles’ previous effort, Chimes at Midnight, his favorite movie and wished he had been cast in that film. According to Eshley, Welles wanted to cast him in a Western and even offered to adopt him after the filming.