14/03/2007

'New Avengers' star Gareth Hunt dies

Actor Gareth Hunt, who starred in 'The New Avengers', has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 65.

Hunt starred in the Seventies secret agent fantasy adventure show as Mike Gambit, alongside Joanna Lumley as Purdey and Patrick McNee, who reprised his role as John Steed from the original series. The show was shown in 1976 and 1977.

In later years, Hunt became well known for a series of television advertisements for Nescafe. His trademark move was to shake his clenched hand, then open it and smell it, revealing coffee beans.

He also appeared in 'Eastenders' as crime boss Ritchie Stringer.

A statement released by his agent on Wednesday said: "He fought the disease with great courage and through his strength of character and his wonderful sense of humour he continued to work right up until the end of 2006."

Hunt is survived by his wife Amanda and three sons.

(KMcA)


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