Tom Owen, known for playing the nomadic character Tom Simmonite in the popular BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine for ten years from 2000.
His other credits included The Bill, The Onedin Line, and Upstairs Downstairs and in 2018, he also starred in feature film The Bromley Boys.
. His family said: ‘He passed away peacefully and is survived by his two children, James and William, and ex-wife, Mary.’
Owen was chosen to play Compo’s long-lost son after his father, who played the much-loved character Compo Simmonite, passed away. He was picked just days after the death of his father in July 1999 from cancer.
Owen was chosen to play Compo’s long-lost son just days after the death of his father in July 1999 from cancer.
He received a phone call from Alan Bell, producer of the show, after being told of the search for a replacement of his dad by Roy Clarke.
Owen said back in 2000 “It was two or three days after Dad had died… Obviously my mind was on other things, like organising the funeral, and it hadn’t occurred to me at all that I would be approached to play Compo’s long-lost son. Alan suggested the idea to me and I thought about it for two seconds before saying yes.”
People have been posting their condolences in social media with one person writing: “Just been announced that Tom Owen, son of Bill Owen, has passed away. Turning out to be a rather sad day.”
Another wrote: “Used to love last of the Summer Wine so sad to see Tom Owen has passed away”
And, a third wrote: ” Heartbreaking news that my dear friend the wonderful actor Tom Owen has passed away. Thank you for the wonderful friendship, love, laughs and adventures we shared. You will be greatly missed. Forever in my heart RIP dearest Tom.”
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Feature Image Credit: IMDB
