Tom Georgeson dies aged 88: Between The Lines star passes away as his family pays tribute
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Actor Tom Georgeson has died at the age of 88.
The Liverpool native rose to fame in 1982 with the BBC’s Boys from the Blackstuff and has had supporting roles in other programs such as Among The Lines.
He has also made guest appearances in numerous popular shows including Coronation Street, Holby City, Doctor Who, The Bill and Brookside.
His family said his death came as a shock, but no further details about the circumstances of his death were released.
Tom lived in London and was survived by his wife Prim and children Richard and Roslyn.
Her film credits included A Fish Called Wanda, opposite John Cleese; here his character’s name ‘George Thomason’ was a play in itself.
Actor Tom Georgeson dies at 88
His family said his death came as a shock, but no further details about the circumstances of his death have been released (Photo taken in 1999)
He also starred in Notes On A Scandal alongside Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.
Danny Conway, Tom’s nephew, said: Liverpool ECHO: ‘I’m heartbroken because we didn’t expect this. When I last spoke to him, he was in good health.
‘I woke up to this news today and it’s so sad. I was really proud of him and felt lucky to have a famous uncle.’
Danny added that despite Tom’s success, he remained close to his roots and was admired within the family for his values.
He said: ‘There is a strong socialist streak in the family. It’s a bit like Bill Shankly’s mantra.’
Tom was perhaps best known for his long-running collaboration with writer Alan Bleasdale; He appeared in Boys from the Blackstuff, Scully and GBH.
Shaped by the economic hardships of the Thatcher era, she played security guard Dixie Dean in Boys from the Blackstuff, a series that contributed to the programme’s lasting cultural impact.
Throughout his career, Tom has become known for portraying working-class characters with originality; this reflected both his Liverpool upbringing and his commitment to the stories he chose to tell.
The Liverpool native rose to fame in 1982 on BBC’s Boys from the Blackstuff (pictured with Neil Pearson)
The actor appeared intermittently in Coronation Street between October 1974 and March 1976 as Weatherfield Gazette reporter Eddie Royle; Pictured in a 1975 episode featuring Jean Alexander (as Hilda Ogden) and Barbara Knox (as Rita Littlewood).
Picture taken with John Cleese in the 1988 film A Fish Called Wanda
Tom’s frequent collaborator Alan Bleasdale went on to become a respected figure in British drama, working in television and theatre.
The actor, now 79, has focused in recent years on adapting his iconic works from the 1980s for the stage, including a 2023-2024 revival of the iconic TV series Boys from the Blackstuff.
A spokesman for Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theaters said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of much-loved Liverpool actor Tom Georgeson, whose talent, generosity and unfailing presence have shaped so many moments on our stages since his first appearance with us in the 1970s.
‘More recently Tom starred in Tony Green’s play The Kindness of Strangers, created for Everyman’s 40th birthday season in 2004.
She made a memorable return to the Playhouse in the comedy ‘When We Are Married’, sharing the stage with Les Dennis and Jodie McNee.
‘In each of these roles, he brought the same depth, intelligence and humanity that defined his work in film, television and theatre.
‘Tom was one of our city’s greatest performers, and we are grateful and proud to be the artistic home he returned to throughout his career.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
