Tributes are being paid tonight to an actor who thanks to his TV and film work is instantly recognisable to generations.
20:10, 18 Mar 2026Updated 21:18, 18 Mar 2026
Tom Georgeson as Detective Inspector Harry Naylor in Between The Lines(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Tributes are being paid tonight to an actor instantly recognisable to generations of British TV viewers. Tom Georgeson, famous for appearing in the BBC’s Boys from the Blackstuff, Between the Lines and John Cleese and Michael Palin movie classic A Fish Called Wanda has died at the age of 88.
The Liverpool-born actor appeared in many of the UK’s best-known shows, including Z Cars, Holby City, The Bill, Doctor Who, Poirot, Ashes To Ashes and Foyle’s War. Tom also appeared in the Alan Bleasdale drama GBH and played the clerk Clamb in the BBC’s 2005 adaptation of Bleak House.
He played a gangster called George Thomason – a mixed-up version of his own name – in the box office smash A Fish Called Wanda and also appeared in its 1997 follow-up Fierce Creatures.
Tom Georgeson (right) appearing in A Fish Called Wanda in 1988
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Tom’s nephew, Danny Conway, told the Liverpool Echo he was “gutted” by the news, saying: “We weren’t expecting it. Last time I spoke to him he was in good health. I woke up to that news today and it’s just sad. I was really proud of him and felt lucky to have a famous uncle.”
He added: “The whole family has got an artistic streak through them. They’re either artists or performers. It started with my grandad, who was into amateur dramatics. He got Tom into it as well. One of his other brothers, Greg, used to read audio books. He passed away last year.”
A spokesperson for the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Georgeson – a much‑loved Liverpool actor whose talent, generosity and unmistakable presence shaped so many moments on our stages since he first performed with us in the 1970s.
Tom Georgeson as Inspector Grange in a 2004 episode of Poirot(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
The actor had a very long career in TV and movies(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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“In more recent times, Tom appeared in The Kindness of Strangers, Tony Green’s play created for the Everyman’s 40th birthday season in 2004. He returned memorably to the Playhouse in the comedy When We Are Married, sharing the stage with Les Dennis and Jodie McNee.
“In each of these roles, he brought the same depth, wit and humanity that defined his work across film, television and theatre. Tom was one of our city’s great actors, and we’re grateful and proud to have been an artistic home he returned to throughout his career. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Tom – who was living in London when he died – is survived by his wife Prim and children Richard and Roslyn.