David Killick, a cherished figure in British television and theatre, has passed away at the age of 87 after a short illness. His death was confirmed on Friday, July 4, 2025, at St John’s Hospice in North London, according to a statement from his agent at Stanton Davidson Associates.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our much loved friend and client David Killick, who died peacefully on Friday 4th July at St John’s Hospice, North London after a short illness,” the statement read. “David was an actor for over 60 years, loved the business and his fellow actors, and was loved and respected in his turn by all who were lucky enough to work with him. He will be sorely missed.”
Born in 1938 in Edmonton, Middlesex, Killick’s career spanned more than six decades, during which he became a familiar face on British television and an esteemed presence on stage. He was best known for his recurring role as a pathologist in the 1990s crime drama A Touch of Frost, where he starred alongside Sir David Jason. The series, which ran for 15 seasons and 42 episodes, was based on novels by R.D. Wingfield and became a beloved fixture of British television.
More recently, Killick appeared in season five of Netflix’s acclaimed historical drama The Crown as Mess President. The show, created by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television, chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II over six decades. Killick shared the screen with notable actors such as Lesley Manville and Timothy Dalton during his stint on the series, which premiered in 2016 and concluded its final season in 2023.
Beyond his television work, Killick’s extensive stage career was equally impressive. He performed in a variety of productions, including The Importance of Being Earnest, Pressure—a play attended by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher—and John Loesser’s musical Guys and Dolls with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company. His theatrical repertoire also featured roles in A Room With A View, The Crucible, Witness for the Prosecution, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Notably, he was a long-time member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and made occasional appearances at the National Theatre.
In addition to his on-screen and stage performances, Killick was a skilled voice actor. He contributed to audio productions such as The Judgement of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who: The Lost Stories. His voice work extended to other projects including Macbeth and the children’s series Poptropica - On the Farm.
His agent’s profile described Killick as a “delightful, talented and vastly experienced actor” who “loves the work – so please keep him at it!” The profile highlighted his enjoyment of the rigorous demands of weekly repertory theatre and credited him with helping to establish “The Unicorn,” the first permanent children’s theatre company at the Arts Theatre in Leicester Square, alongside Caryl Jenner.
Throughout his career, Killick embraced a variety of challenging and diverse roles. Theatre highlights included playing a Dame in pantomime in Edinburgh, George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf in Leeds, and Basilio in Life’s a Dream under the direction of Matthew Warchus. He was affectionately remembered as a “somewhat harassed Pathologist” in A Touch of Frost and a Don in The History Boys.
Fans and colleagues alike have expressed their condolences since the announcement of his death. Actor Rhîan McLean recalled sharing the stage with Killick during his final job, calling him “the formidable Mr Killick” and expressing honor in knowing him. Industry professionals praised his professionalism and warmth, noting he was “an utter joy to cast” and a “wonderful actor.”
David Killick’s contributions to British television, theatre, and voice acting have left an indelible mark on the arts community. His versatile performances and dedication to his craft earned him the respect and affection of audiences and peers alike. As the entertainment world mourns his passing, his legacy endures through the many roles he brought to life over an extraordinary career.
