Jack Shepherd, the acclaimed English actor whose portrayal of Detective Superintendent Charles Wycliffe in ITV’s beloved 1990s drama made him a household name, has died at the age of 85. His family confirmed that Shepherd passed away peacefully in hospital on November 24, 2025, following a short illness. He was surrounded by his wife Ann Scott and his five children—Jan, Jake, Victoria, Catherine, and Ben—at the time of his passing, according to a statement released by his agents Markham, Froggatt & Irwin.
Born in Leeds in 1940 to a cabinet maker and a school teacher, Shepherd’s journey to the stage and screen began with a scholarship to Newcastle University, where he studied fine art. As he once reflected, “I got addicted to the creative process when I was at art school, from the age of 18 to 22. I was already writing play sketches and all kinds of things at that time.” His artistic ambitions soon led him to London, where he trained at The Central School for Speech and Drama, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would span six decades.
Shepherd’s early professional years saw him become a leading figure at London’s Royal Court Theatre in the late 1960s, where he was named most promising actor of the year in 1967 for his role in David Storey’s Restoration of Arnold Middleton. His television breakthrough came in the 1970s, when he played the rebellious Labour MP Bill Brand in the ITV series Bill Brand. The role earned him a BAFTA nomination for best actor in 1977. The Spectator later described the show as “a time capsule of the 1970s – the brown everywhere, the fag-smoke and lunchtime beer, the patterned wallpaper, the rusty Ford Cortinas and sense of national decay,” with Shepherd’s character reminding “the Left of the principles it has wandered from in the search for power.”
Though Shepherd’s work on Bill Brand brought him critical acclaim, it was his turn as Charles Wycliffe that cemented his status as a national treasure. From 1993 to 1998, Shepherd starred in Wycliffe, the ITV detective drama based on W.J. Burley’s novels. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cornwall, Shepherd’s thoughtful detective solved murders across the county, supported by co-stars Jimmy Yuill as DI Doug Kersey and Helen Masters as DI Lucy Lane. The series, which ran for 36 episodes, remains a touchstone of British television, fondly remembered by viewers. Social media tributes poured in after his death, with one fan writing, “Wycliffe was my Sunday night show back in the days after Heartbeat and before London’s Burning!”
Shepherd’s versatility extended far beyond television. He was a prolific stage actor, performing at the National Theatre and directing The Two Gentlemen Of Verona at Shakespeare’s Globe in 1996—a production that later transferred to Broadway. His collaboration with director Bill Bryden on numerous theatre projects further solidified his reputation as a creative force. In 1983, Shepherd’s performance in the original production of Glengarry Glen Ross earned him the prestigious Olivier Award, one of the British theatre’s highest honors.
Throughout his career, Shepherd also made significant contributions as a playwright, saxophonist, and jazz pianist. His love for music was well known, and he often brought the same passion and precision to his musical pursuits as he did to his acting. According to BBC News, he was “an accomplished saxophonist and jazz pianist,” adding yet another dimension to his multifaceted artistry.
On screen, Shepherd’s range was equally impressive. His film credits include roles in Wonderland (1999) and the 2007 fantasy epic The Golden Compass, where he appeared alongside stars Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. He also took on a variety of roles in BBC productions, portraying figures as diverse as a schoolteacher in Play for Today: Pidgeon – Hawk Or Dove? (1974), a barrister in Blind Justice (1988), the composer Franz Joseph Haydn in the 2005 docudrama Beethoven, and an Auschwitz inmate in God on Trial (2008).
Never content to rest on his laurels, Shepherd continued acting well into his seventies and eighties, appearing in popular series such as New Tricks (2014), Midsomer Murders (2015), and Manhunt (2021). His enduring presence on stage and screen was a testament to both his talent and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Shepherd’s influence was not limited to his own performances. As a director and mentor, he helped shape the careers of countless actors and inspired generations of theatre practitioners. His agents, Markham, Froggatt & Irwin, expressed their pride in having represented him, stating, “Markham, Froggatt & Irwin are very proud and honoured to have been part of Jack’s illustrious career. His passing is a sad loss to us all.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Shepherd’s personal life was marked by a deep commitment to his family. He is survived by his wife Ann Scott and their five children, who were by his side in his final moments. Those who knew him best remember not only his formidable talent but also his warmth, wit, and generosity of spirit.
Shepherd’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and critics alike. His legacy lives on in the rich body of work he leaves behind—on stage, on screen, and in the music he so loved. For many, the image of Shepherd as Charles Wycliffe, quietly unraveling the mysteries of Cornwall, will endure as a symbol of the very best of British drama. Yet his impact reaches far beyond a single role, encompassing a lifetime of artistic exploration and achievement.
As the curtain falls on the remarkable life of Jack Shepherd, the arts community and his many admirers reflect on a career defined by creativity, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions to theatre, television, and film have left an indelible mark, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
