Star of Only Fools and Vicar Of Dibley was 69

Roger Lloyd Pack, best known for his role as Trigger in Only Fools and Horses, has died at the age of 69.

His agent confirmed that he died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

As well as his role as Trigger, he also enjoyed huge success as Owen Newitt in the Vicar Of Dibley and as Barty Crouch, Sr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

His other credits include a lead role in the BBC One sitcom The Old Guys as well as parts in the 2012 version of The Bogias, Catherine Tate's Christmas Carol in 2009 and as John Lumic in Doctor Who.

Born in Islington, North London in 1944, he was the son of Hammer horror actor Charles Lloyd-Pack and a refugee from Vienna – while he was also the father of actress Emily Lloyd.

Lloyd Pack said that the role of dim-witted roadsweeper Trigger (whose real character name was Colin Ball) was a blessing and a curse, telling one interviewer: 'It's extraordinary to me as an actor to find oneself in a sitcom that's been successful and goes on being successful. Usually things date, but I can't go anywhere without anyone going on about it.'

In real life, he was far from that persona, being an avid reader, a writer of poetry and politically active – campaigning for better public transport, against war, and in defence of the NHS. He once turned up at the ant-capitalist Occupy camp and told the protesters: 'They're painting a bad picture of you lot, who wants to hear some Chaucer?'

He spoke about death as recently as last year, saying as he prepared to star in Richard III and Twelfth Night at London's Glibe Theatre: 'I probably think about death every day in some way because I think it gives my life more intensity.'

Among those paying tribute today were John Challis, who played Boycie in Only Fools. He tweeted: 'RIP RLP.He read the Guardian.I read the Telegraph.He supported Spurs.I support Arsenal.A match made in Heaven.'

Comedy writer Graham Linehan, who tweeted: 'Very sad news about Roger Lloyd Pack. Trigger was an ancestor to Father Dougal and I'm glad I once had a chance to tell him so.'

Fellow writer Sam Bain, who co-created The Old Guys, added: 'Very sad and shocking to hear about Roger Lloyd-Pack. One of the loveliest most talented actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.'

And Benidorm creator Derren Litten added: 'Terribly sad news about Roger Lloyd Pack. Had the privilege of working with him again very recently; a nicer man you would never meet.'

Here he is in action:

Published: 16 Jan 2014