Best Exotic Marigold Hotel actor Ronald Pickup dies peacefully at the age of 80 after a ‘long illness’
- His agent confirmed: ‘Ronald Pickup actor aged 80 passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness surrounded by his wife and family’
- The esteemed star was trained at RADA before joining Olivier’s National Theatre Company at the Old Vic and was well-known on the boards
- Ronald is survived by his wife Lans Traverse, who he married in 1964, and children, Rachel Pickup, an actress, and Simon Pickup
- In 2016, he played the role of Geoffrey Fisher, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in four episodes of the Netflix series The Crown
Actor Ronald Pickup, best known for his roles in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films and TV drama Orwell On Jura, has died at the age of 80.
His agent confirmed: ‘Ronald Pickup actor aged 80 passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness surrounded by his wife and family.
‘He will be deeply missed.’
The esteemed star was trained at RADA before joining Olivier’s National Theatre Company at the Old Vic and was well-known for his work on the stage before moving onto enjoy an illustrious television career starting in 1964.
Actor Ronald Pickup, best known for his roles in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films and TV drama Orwell On Jura, has died at the age of 80 (pictured in February 2012)
Ronald began his TV career back in 1964 with his first big appearance being in Doctor Who, where he played a physician in part 4 of The Reign of Terror.
He was best known for his role in the British-Indian comedy, where he starred alongside Celia Imrie, Judi Dench and Diana Hardcastle.
Ronald is survived by his wife Lans Traverse, who he married in 1964, and children, Rachel Pickup, an actress, and Simon Pickup.
He starred with Rachel in two productions – Midsomer Murders episode The Magician’s Nephew in 2008 and 2016’s Schadenfreude.
In 2016, he played the role of Geoffrey Fisher, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in four episodes of the Netflix series The Crown.
Starring: Ronald is pictured in sitcom The Worst Week of My Life, where he played Fraser