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Maurice Denham

Radio and film star Denham dies at 92

This article is more than 21 years old

Maurice Denham, a radio and screen star whose career spanned roles in dramas ranging from TV's Edward and Mrs Simpson to the comedy series Porridge, died yesterday at the age of 92.

He had been living at Denville Hall in Northwood, north-west London, the nursing home for elderly actors

During a 60 year career he made more than 100 television and film appearances, including roles in the films The Day Of The Jackal, 84 Charing Cross Road, and Our Man In Havana.

His upper class tones allowed him to carve a niche as a character actor playing mostly judges, aristocrats and military men. However, showcasing his talent as the "man of a thousand voices", he played charlady Mrs Tickle and Vodkin the Russian inventor in the popular 40s radio show It's That Man Again.

He displayed this talent again in 1955 as the voice of every character in the animated classic Animal Farm.

He also starred in the 40s radio show Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh, a comedy set in a ramshackle RAF station.

Born in Beckenham, Kent, in 1909, Denham worked as an engineer before his radio fame. He gained an OBE, won acclaim for his stage roles, notably Macbeth and Uncle Vanya, and appeared in dozens of TV shows, including The Professionals. His last role was in The Beggar Bride in 1997.

· Press Association

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