British actor Warren Mitchell – famous for playing Alf Garnett in BBC comedy series Till Death Us Do Part - has passed away at the age of 89.
Mitchell died in the early hours of Saturday (November 14) morning and had been ill for some time.
Mitchell's great nephew Jerry Barnett revealed the news on Twitter, describing him as "the last of his generation" and a "wonderful and funny man".
A spokesperson for the family said: "Sadly we can confirm Warren Mitchell died in the early hours of Saturday 14th November surrounded by his family.
"He has been in poor health for some time but was cracking jokes to the last."
Till Death Us Do Part ran for seven seasons from 1965 until 1975. Mitchell also appeared in an ITV sequel, as well as numerous films and plays.
Garnett was a West Ham fan and a racist. Ironically, Mitchell supported Tottenham Hotspur and was a lifelong socialist.
There have been many tributes paid to the actor. Ricky Gervais tweeted: "Alf Garnett was one of the most influential and important characters and performances in comedy history. RIP Warren Mitchell."
Theatre director Rupert Goold wrote: "RIP Warren Mitchell. A deeply soulful and erudite man who genuinely loved the theatre."
Survived by his wife and their three children, Mitchell won an Olivier Award for his part in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman in 1979.
Just got the news my great uncle Warren Mitchell (aka Alf Garnett) died last night. The last of his generation, wonderful and funny man RIP
— Jerry Barnett (@jerrybarnett) November 14, 2015
