Soap and TV icon Bruce French dies aged 79

Passions actor Bruce French has died at the age of 79, it has been confirmed. The late actor, best known for his Father Lonigan role in the NBC soap, passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease on February 7th. He starred as the priest in over four hundred episodes between 1999 and 2007, continuing the part for another year when it was revived on The 101 Network. The show followed the lives and loves – plus various paranormal encounters – of the residents of Harmony, a fictional town in New England.

Bruce’s character, who was blind, had a knack for perceiving evil and was best known for his clashes with Alistair Crane (David Bailey and John Reilly), who caused him to lose his sight. His niece Claire French confirmed the sad news on Facebook, writing: ‘The world is a dimmer place today, missing this amazing light that has gone out. ‘We will miss Uncle Bruce tremendously, but are confident that he is joyously reunited with his beloved mom and in the seat he told my dad to save him.’.

Bruce had a number of soap roles throughout his varied career – including on Dallas and Falcon Crest. Further credits include Beverly Hills, 90210, Ally McBeal, The Practice, Criminal Minds and L.A. Law. He is also noted as being one of a few actors to appear in both the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises, having starred in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Voyager and Enterprise plus the 1998 film Insurrection.

His ‘Wars role was in 1981’s Star Wars Original Radio Drama. On the big screen, he was seen in Jurassic Park III as a science reporter, and as a minister in Mission: Impossible III. In 1991, he married actress Eileen Barnett who is best known for being the second actress to play Brooke Hamilton in Days of Our Lives between 1978-80. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who’s leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?.

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Actor Barry Cutler paid tribute to French on social media, remembering him as a dear friend. ‘He cheered me on,’ he said. ‘He was one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I’ve ever encountered. An absolutely lovely and wonderful man.’. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

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