BAFTA Award-winning actor Lee Montague has tragically died at the age of 97, sparking an influx of heartfelt tributes in his honour. With a remarkable acting career spanning over six decades, Montague leaves behind a treasured legacy in the world of entertainment.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lee made memorable appearances in a string of iconic films, including Brass Target, the 1952 rendition of Moulin Rouge, How I Won the War, and Brother Sun, Sister Moon. His impressive television credits boast notable roles in Bergerac, Casualty, The Sweeney, and even as the first storyteller on the beloved children’s show Jackanory, where he engagingly narrated 15 episodes between 1965 and 1966.
The devastating news was announced through an obituary published by Keats Community Library, where Montague held the esteemed title of President For Life. Notably, Lee played a pivotal role in rescuing the Hampstead Heath library after it was closed by Camden in 2011.
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With his unrelenting spirit and dedication, Lee joined forces with his neighbours to advocate for the public library’s reopening.
Keats Community Library shared the sombre announcement, expressing its deep sorrow over the loss of their cherished President for Life, Lee Montague, at the age of 97, reports the Mirror.
Their statement warmly acknowledged Lee’s accomplishments: “Lee was a highly respected actor. He trained at the Old Vic School and worked in the early part of his career in the Royal Exchange Manchester, the Old Vic, Bristol Old Vic and Oxford Playhouse.”
Furthermore, it highlighted his remarkable film career, stating: “Moving into film he worked with great directors (such as Zeffirelli) appearing in some 30 films including Moulin Rouge in 1952, Bill Budd, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and Jesus of Nazareth with Robert Powell.”
It also stated: “In the 70s in television he had long runs The Sweeney, Bergerac and Seconds Out with Robert Lindsay.
“He was the first storyteller on the BBC children’s programme Jackanory on 1965, narrating 15 episodes, for which he won a BAFTA. He was a huge Arsenal fan and a formidable tennis player!”.
“But to us, he was the saviour of the library. He saved it once before from closure by Camden, but in 2011 they closed it before announcing it, so it was Lee who formed a committee of neighbours to set up the Keats Community Library charity it is today.
“He continued to be vital to our success as he wrote many literary and biographical evenings which he performed with his fellow actors, Michael Palin, Robert Powell, Simon Callow and Janet Suzman. These were played to a full house, as is befitting!” The poignant statement went further, touching hearts by declaring: “He will be greatly missed.”
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The showbiz world is mourning as heartfelt tributes flood in for the beloved actor Lee. Among them, Michael Palin expressed his sorrow, saying: “Very sad to hear that I shall not see Lee again. He was such good company, wise, experienced, empathetic, funny. It was always a pleasure to share a stage with him.”
Robert Lindsay, who shared screen time with Lee in the hit 1981 TV series Seconds Out, confided to Ham and High: “I’m devastated as I regarded Lee as my theatrical Dad and I have kept in touch with him over many years.”
Additionally, playwright Sir David Hare joined in remembrance, honouring Lee as “a consummate gentleman”.
Lee’s illustrious acting career spanned over six decades, during which he bagged a BAFTA for his role as a storyteller on Jackanory. He honed his craft at the Old Vic School before taking on roles in 30 films, numerous TV shows and also gracing the stage.
His last on-screen appearance was in the 2017 film, Gatwick Gangsters.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
