Dennis Waterman has paid tribute to his ‘Minder’ co-star George Cole.
George passed away on Wednesday (05.08.15) after a short illness and Dennis is "grateful" to have worked with him, playing his long-suffering bodyguard Terry McCann in the ITV series.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I’m so grateful to have been a friend of this wonderful man. We worked together for many years and my boast is that we laughed all day, every day.
"I am so sad to hear of George’s death. His family must be devastated, and I am absolutely certain that anybody who ever knew him, will feel the same.
"He was an amazing man, a wonderful actor and besotted with his family. Farewell old friend."
Dennis spent some time with George the day before he died and said his friend was making jokes up until the end.
He said: "I had the privilege of spending Tuesday afternoon with him and [his wife] Penny and, although very frail, his wit was as evident as ever.
"It was a bit of a shock he was looking so very frail. Penny asked if he would like a drink. He said: ‘I’d like a bottle of whisky, but I know you won’t give me that!’"
George – whose career spanned 70 years – is best known for his starring role in the British comedy-drama series ‘Minder’, in which he played the part of Arthur Daley for 16 years, between 1979 and 1994.
In addition to his role on ‘Minder’, George, 90, appeared in a number of ‘St Trinian’s’ films, starring as businessman Flash Harry alongside the likes of Terry Thomas and Sid James.
He also starred in the 1963 movie ‘Cleopatra’, opposite Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison.
Dennis Waterman pays tribute to George Cole
