Actor Bruce Purchase dies

The New Zealand-born actor Bruce Purchase has died in London at the age of 69.

Purchase won a scholarship to RADA in his twenties. He was a founder member of Sir Laurence Olivier's National Theatre and became a regular performer with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

In 2003 he gave the first performance of John Wain's adaptation of his 1974 biography of Dr. Samuel Johnson, a theatrical tour de force: "Johnson is Leaving" at The Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon, directed by Lisa Forrell. Wain had written the drama covering Johnson's work on his dictionary, his troubled childhood and the pleasures of London, recalled as he was dying, especially for Purchase after the two men met in Oxford.

Purchase subsequently performed the play around the world, captivating critics and audiences alike with his heartfelt portrayal of the coarse and rumbustuous, tender and finally, reflective Johnson.

He also appeared opposite Richard Chamberlain in a European tour of "My Fair Lady" and a wide range of classic productions.

His television work ranged from the BBC’s “Doctor Who”, “I, Claudius” and “Rumpole of the Bailey.” Films included “Richard 111” and “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

He was an accomplished artist, exhibiting in London and abroad, and also wrote, publishing his autobiography "Changing Skies" shortly before he died. He was born in Thames, NZ.

He became seriously ill while touring in a production of "The Last Confession" starring David Suchet last year.

He lived in Putney with his partner, Sara Hebblethwaite.