19 hours Ago By Summer Raemason
BBC star and Bafta-winner Lee Montague has sadly died aged 97. Michael Palin has led heartfelt tributes for the star who had a stellar career spanning six decades. Advertisement 1 BBC star and Bafta-winner Lee Montague has sadly died aged 97 In a touching message, Michael Palin said: "Very sad to hear that I shall not see Lee again.
"He was such good company, wise, experienced, empathetic, funny. It was always a pleasure to share a stage with him." Lee trained at the Old Vic theatre school and first appeared on stage in 1950.
He went on to perform at the RSC, and the Old Vic with Laurence Olivier. Advertisement Other notable venues included Manchester Royal Exchange, and Bristol Old Vic. His screen debut saw him shoot to fame 1952 in John Huston's Moulin Rouge.
Other credits over the years included The Silent Enemy, Bill Budd, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Jesus of Nazareth, and Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence. In 1965 Lee became the first storyteller on the BBC children’s programme Jackanory and narrated 15 episodes. Advertisement Most read in News TV SPOOKY Scots BBC legend unrecognisable as gamer in shock new Black Mirror series VILE REMARKS Lorraine Kelly reveals sleazy TV boss made shocking comments to her RISE & FALL Inside John Barrowman's career - from 'flashing claims' to quitting TV show NEW DIRECTION Corrie’s original Aadi Alahan star unrecognisable amid career change By the 70s Lee was a recurring actor in The Sweeney, Bergerac and Seconds Out.
Robert Lindsay who played a boxer in 1981 TV series Seconds Out opposite Lee said: "I’m devastated as I regarded Lee as my theatrical Dad and I have kept in touch with him over many years." Hampstead playwright Sir David Hare said Lee was: "a consummate gentleman". And author Deborah Moggach added: "I absolutely loved how he was always up for a chat, down at the shops, and how terribly interesting he was, and fun.
He was such a lovely lovely man." Advertisement Lee, whose real name was Leonard Goldberg, was born in Bow in 1927. He had live in South End Green for 65 years and was best known locally as the saviour of Keats Library.
Camden Council announced it was shuttering the venue in 2011, but Lee formed a committee of neighbours to set up the Keats Community Library charity - which is still running today. He was made President for Life and wrote scripts for several actors to perform at fundraisers, including Michael Palin. Advertisement Stephen Bobasch, Chair of Keats Community Library said: “Lee was a lovely person and modest about his career, and he was so well read.
He did so much for the community. "We were touched by the lovely comments we have received from distinguished performers and writers as well as his friends and neighbours. He will be greatly missed.
" Speaking about what inspired him to pursue the world of acting, Lee said in a 2014 interview: "Mamie Watson was a drama teacher at Toynbee Hall who saw something in this boy from the East End and urged him on." More to follow..
. For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun UNSUPERVISED Age you can legally leave kids at home alone in Scotland as Easter break nears TRYING TIMES Firm plunges into administration after 150 years with almost 50 jobs lost Thesun.co.
uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.
com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun ..
