Jack Shepherd, TV Detective Legend, Dies Aged 85
Jack Shepherd, best known for his iconic role as detective Charles Wycliffe in the hit ITV crime series, has died peacefully at 85 following a short illness. The Leeds-born star’s agents confirmed the sad news on Tuesday.
Wycliffe’s TV Detective Leaves a Permanent Mark
Shepherd became a household name playing the sharp-minded Cornish detective in Wycliffe, which ran from 1993 to 1998. The series, based on WJ Burley’s novels, followed Shepherd as he cracked chilling murder cases alongside DI Doug Kersey (Jimmy Yuill) and DI Lucy Lane (Helen Masters).
Stage Star and Multi-Talented Artist
- Shepherd’s breakthrough hit came in the 1970s with the drama Bill Brand, earning him a BAFTA nod for Best Actor in 1977.
- He was a major presence at London’s Royal Court Theatre in his 20s and later wowed crowds at the National Theatre.
- In 1996, Jack directed Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Shakespeare’s Globe, a production that later made it to Broadway.
- He snagged an Olivier Award in 1983 for the original staging of Glengarry Glen Ross.
- Besides acting and directing, Jack was a talented playwright and jazz musician, skilled on saxophone and piano.
Family Mourns, Agents Pay Tribute
Jack is survived by his wife Ann Scott and five children: Jan, Jake, Victoria, Catherine, and Ben.
“It is with great sadness we can confirm that the celebrated actor Jack Shepherd passed away yesterday at the age of 85. He died peacefully in hospital after a short illness. His wife and family were with him,” said his agents Markham, Froggatt & Irwin.
“Markham, Froggatt & Irwin are very proud and honoured to have been part of Jack’s illustrious career. His passing is a sad loss to us all.”
