Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004.
Following his death, warm tributes were paid by Old Vic artistic director Kevin Spacey, National Theatre artistic director Nicholas Hytner and Royal Shakespeare Company artistic director Michael Boyd.
Made his stage debut in the 1950 production of "The Happiest Days of Your Life". Later became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company (1962-1966).
Survived by John Anderson, his partner of almost 40 years.
Trained as an opera singer at the Northern School of Music.