Vicar Of Dibley star Gary Waldhorn has died at the age of 78, his son has announced.
The actor was best known for playing Councillor David Horton in the TV sitcom.
His son Josh Waldhorn said: “My beloved father, Gary Waldhorn peacefully passed away at 6.45am on January 10 2022.
“Classically trained, it was the theatre where he truly flourished and he leaves a legacy of entertainment that saw him frequent the boards of Broadway, the West End and our living rooms on the telly!
“He leaves behind his two grandsons, Cooper and Bayley and his son Josh. We will all miss him terribly.”
A statement from the BBC Comedy team said: “Gary was an incredibly talented actor who is fondly remembered by us for his numerous appearances on some of the nations most treasured BBC shows, and of course as Councillor David Horton in The Vicar Of Dibley.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Waldhorn appeared in classic British TV shows such as The Sweeney, Brush Strokes and Hotel Babylon, and even featured in comedy sketch show French And Saunders.
He also provided voiceovers for adverts including for Green Flag, Kwik Fit, Branston and Marmite.
Waldhorn was an accomplished Shakespearean actor and had performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company including in Much Ado About Nothing.
He most recently appeared in a Christmas special,
The Vicar Of Dibley In Lockdown, alongside star Dawn French, who plays Rev Geraldine Granger, and James Fleet, who plays his on-screen son Hugo.
Fans have started to pay tribute to Waldhorn with one writing on Twitter: "So sad to hear that we’ve now lost Gary Waldhorn another piece of the Dibley legacy. Thank You for the laughs sir!"
Another added: "Such sad news that Gary Waldhorn, the wonderful Lionel has gone to the 'secret lodge' in the sky. RIP. Bless him. Come in, shut the door, sit down, you're fired! A sad loss of a fine comedic actor."
A third commented: "Very sad news indeed. Best known for playing David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley, Gary Waldhorn was one of our finest British actors - excellent in every role he played. Can’t think of anyone better to have played the haughty Mr Horton to Dawn French’s vivacious vicar. RIP."
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Rebecca Shepherd