Dennis Waterman, Minder and New Tricks star, dies aged 74

Dennis Waterman, the British actor best known for his roles in TV hits Minder and The Sweeney, has died at the age of 74.

Dennis Waterman, a British actor who starred in the TV shows Minder, The Sweeney and New Tricks, has died at the age of 74.

His last film role was in Never Too Late in 2020, which was filmed in Australia.

Waterman is best known for playing the role of the bodyguard Terry McCann in Minder, a portrayal that built upon his earlier gig playing hard-boiled officer George Carter in popular TV show police procedural, The Sweeney.

British actor George Cole (l) with Dennis Waterman (r) in scene from TV program Minder. Picture: Supplied

The actor was living abroad in Spain at the time of his death.

A statement from his family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully in hospital in Spain, on Sunday afternoon, with [his wife] Pam by his side.

“The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”

New Tricks with Dennis Waterman as Gerry Standing. Picture: Supplied

In addition to Minder, which helped usher in an era of realistic portrayals of crime, Waterman also played Gerry Standing in the BBC’s New Tricks, which aired in 2004.

Waterman again played a justice driven figure in a squad of cops who investigated cold cases and sometimes butted heads with their boss played by Amanda Redman.

(L-R): Waterman, Alun Armstrong, Amanda Redman, Denis Lawson, the cast of New Tricks. Picture: Supplied

Waterman was also known for singing the theme songs to many of his shows, including the 1980 hit “I Could Be So Good For You.”

While better known as a staple BBC actor, Waterman also had a briefly successful singing career in the early 1980s and recorded his first two albums while acting in The Sweeney.

Born in London, Waterman studied at the Corona Theatre school and began acting as a youngster with a role for the Children’s Film Foundation.

He was then invited to join Stratford’s legendary Royal Shakespeare Company.

Actor Dennis Waterman with wife Rula Lenska in 1992. Picture: Supplied

Waterman was married four times including to actress Rula Lenska until 1998.

Tributes have poured in for the beloved actor on social media.

Broadcaster Kay Burley tweeted: “A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more.”

#DennisWaterman was one of our biggest TV stars throughout the 70s and 80s, an everyman figure who felt like one of us. A naturalistic, nuanced actor. Terrific in The Sweeney, unforgettable in Minder (helluva song too, lampoonery aside). They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. pic.twitter.com/f66SnBsNsk

— Jonathan Sothcott (@sothcott) May 8, 2022

The actor and comedian Matt Lucas tweeted: “I grew up watching Dennis Waterman’s iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder. His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo – in which he hilariously duetted with [David Walliams’] absurd impersonation of him – remains the absolute highlight of my career.”

Piers Morgan also paid tribute to the “superb actor”.

“Star of Minder, New Tricks and for me, his finest role - as Detective George Carter in The Sweeney opposite the late, great John Thaw,” he tweeted.

“Superb actor and a great character. Sad news.”

Meanwhile presenter Nick Knowles recalled a charity golf trip with the late star: “I played golf on a tour to Bermuda with Dennis Waterman – I’m not much of a golfer, he was – but it was time spent with him between rounds that were well worth the trip.”

Sorry to hear about #DennisWaterman passing- sending love to Pam and his children. X

— Samantha Giles (@sammeegiles) May 8, 2022

Author Mike Parry said he is “so sorry” to hear of the death of Dennis Waterman.

He added: “He was brilliant as Det Sgt George Carter alongside his guv‘nor John Thaw’s Inspector Jack Regan in the brilliant ground-breaking TV Epic The Sweeney - and great again in Minder - What a character actor. RIP.”

I'm so sorry to hear of the death of actor Dennis Waterman .. he was brilliant as Det Sgt George Carter alongside his guv'nor John Thaw's Inspector Jack Regan in the brilliant ground-breaking TV Epic The Sweeney .. and great again in Minder .. What a character actor .. RIP .. pic.twitter.com/N9u8TbWSnP

— Mike Parry (@mikeparry8) May 8, 2022

Actress Judy Buxton says she is “shocked and saddened” to learn of Waterman’s death.

The star, who is married to actor Jeffrey Holland, said: “Loved working with him in “On The Up” over the three series we did. Such happy memories. Can’t believe he’s left us so soon.”

Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis Waterman. Loved working with him in “On The Up” over the three series we did. Such happy memories. Can’t believe he’s left us so soon. #OnTheUp #Minder #NewTricks #TheSweeney pic.twitter.com/8EsKXBa6uV

— Judy Buxton 💙 (@JudyBuxton7) May 8, 2022

Reece Shearsmith, who played Jeremy Kirk in an episode of New Tricks, remembered Waterman as making the “best cups of tea”.

“RIP Dennis Waterman. When I worked with him on ”New Tricks” he made me the best cups of tea. And of course I just spent the time grilling him about ‘Scars of Dracula’,” he tweeted.

RIP Dennis Waterman. When I worked with him on "New Tricks" he made me the best cups of tea. And of course I just spent the time grilling him about "Scars of Dracula".

— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 8, 2022