Sitcom star Rodgers dies
Actor found fame in Fresh Frields
Comedy actor Anton Rodgers, best known for his roles in the sitcoms Fresh Fields and May to December, has died at the age of 74.He began as a child actor, making his first professional stage appearance in 1947, at the age of 14, in Bizet's opera Carmen at the Royal Opera House. He then moved on to West End musical comedies, including The Boy Friend, and intimate revues. His stage career took in many West End and repertory productions, and he also directed many shows.
In 1984, he landed the starring role in the suburban sitcom Fresh Fields, opposite Julia McKenzie, about a middle-aged couple suffering ‘empty nest syndrome’. It ran for four series and a 1989 sequel, French Fields, ran for three more.
That same year he also won the starring role in the BBC’s May to December as a solicitor who fell in love with a girl half his age. 39 episodes were made over six series.
His film credits included Scrooge, The Day of the Jackal, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Son Of The Pink Panther.
He leaves his second wife, actress Elizabeth Garvie, four sons and a daughter.
Published: 3 Dec 2007
