Actor Lyndham Gregory Dies at 59
Lyndham Gregory, the actor beloved for his roles in "EastEnders" and "Coronation Street," has died at the age of 59 from lung cancer, as reported by The Daily Star and Daily Express. Both publications note that he never smoked, making the diagnosis and death particularly tragic for those close to him.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Gregory was born in Darjeeling, India, the son of a tea planter. His mother, Marina, worked as a teacher. In the early 1960s, his father, Neville, moved the family to London, trading the Himalayan views for city life. Early on, Gregory's passion for the arts was clear, and he trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. His first professional role was in "The Blue Monster" at the Arts Theatre in London.
His wife, Christine, recounted that he began working in a bank but always dreamed of television acting, drawn by the black-and-white programmes of his youth in London. His dream came true with a long and successful career.
Television and Radio Success
Gregory's first television role came in 1979 as Latif Khan in "Rumpole of the Bailey." In 1983, he secured his first soap role as Sammy Patel in "Coronation Street." He then voiced the character Ashok in the long-running radio soap "The Archers." His most memorable role was as Guppy Sharma on "EastEnders," which he played from 1995 for twelve months.
Throughout his career, Gregory also appeared in "Surgical Spirit," "The Bill," "London's Burning," "Casualty," and "Doctors," and he narrated audio books.
Wife's Tribute
In a tribute published in The Guardian, Christine Gregory wrote about his love for soaps and his enjoyment of filming "EastEnders" at Elstree studios, which he associated with classic films. She also expressed his dedication to the craft.
Diagnosis and Passing
Gregory was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2013 and died a year later. He is survived by his wife Christine and daughter Dominique. Friends, family, and fans have been left devastated by his loss, according to reports that highlight his multifaceted career and personal warmth.