An acting icon who starred in EastEnders, Bridget Jones and Doctor Who, has unfortunately died after a decades-long career in the industry as friends flock to pay their respects
Donald Douglas was known for playing Admiral Darcy in Bridget Jones, Vural in Doctor Who and Hugh Aitken in EastEnders. He died aged 92 after battling a “short illness”.
The funeral home’s statement reads: “Dear family and friends, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Douglas on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Albi.”
Douglas was born in 1933 in Falkirk, Scotland and studied at the Edinburgh College of Art. He later joined the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
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Tributes to the actor have flooded in via social media as pal Merideth Wheeler wrote: “Donald was talented in so many ways apart from acting and performing. A playful and gifted artist, he worked with all kinds of media, from sculpture to paint. He was an expert in ceramic restoration.”
Donald has died age 92(Image: Getty Images)
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“He laid a beautiful table and was a fabulous cook. It was a joy to attend a meal at his beautiful home with his partner, Emma Temple.”
“He was a great equestrian along with Emma and loved his dogs. His gardening was stunning as the montage illustrates. He had an impish sense of humour and a generous heart.”
Some of the actor’s friends took to social media to share tributes(Image: ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Actor Toby Hadoke also said: “What an actor. Always brought a bit of heft and a touch of class to his roles which is I guess why his CV brimmed with illustrious fare.”
‘He was terrific in Poldark, his Vural in Doctor Who’s The Sontaran Experiment was much more rounded and believable than he would have been in lesser hands…and he was Colin Firth’s dad in Bridget Jones for goodness’ sake.”
