Former Grange Hill and The Bill star George Armstrong has died aged 60.
The actor, best known for his role as Alan Humphries on the children’s television drama, passed away on July 11 after a “long battle with leukemia.”
A Grange Hill fan account tweeted the news, writing: “Just heard the very sad news that George Armstrong aka Alan Humphries passed away yesterday.”
“Rest in peace, George. A true Grange Hill legend xxxx’
Twitter tributes poured in on Thursday after the news broke. One fan wrote: “This is so sad. ‘He was a legend.’
Heartbreaking news: Former Grange Hill and The Bill star George Armstrong has died aged 60
Devastating: The actor, best known for his role as Alan Humphries on the children’s television drama, passed away on July 11 after a “long battle with leukemia.”
Another wrote: “So very sad.” Rest in peace. GH and Tucker’s luck. Always watched. Far too young. The stars of our childhood pass before our eyes.’
A third added: “A character from my childhood.” What sad news, thoughts of his family and friends from Grange Hill.
One said, “Sad news.” Met him a few years ago. top guy
Another wrote: “Very sad to learn of the passing of this dear man.” RIP George Armstrong, who will be remembered by many as Alan Humphries xx #70s #80s from #GrangeHill.
Born in London, George began acting at a young age but landed his first notable role as Hubert Lane in 1977’s Just William. In the television adaptation, he starred alongside Bonnie Langford.
Grange Hill, which premiered on BBC1 in 1978 and ran until 2008, was a popular children’s television series about life in a comprehensive school.
The series dealt with typical school issues like bullying, but also hard-hitting storylines like racism, drugs and teenage pregnancy.
Alan Humphries became one of the main original characters of the TV series between 1978 and 1982.
A Grange Hill fan account broke the news on Twitter, writing, “Just heard the very sad news that George Armstrong aka Alan Humphries passed away yesterday.” RIP George. A true Grange Hill legend xxxx’
Twitter tributes poured in on Thursday after the news broke. One fan wrote: “This is so sad. ‘He was a legend.’
Flashback: Todd Carty as Tucker Jenkns, George Armstrong as Alan Humphries, and Terry Sue Patt as Benny Green
Grange Hill: Rear (L-R) Vincent Hall as Michael Doyle, George Armstrong as Alan Humphries, Mark Eadie as Andrew Stanton, Unknown Man, Todd Carty as Tucker, Unknown Woman, Terry Sue Patt as Benny Green and Robert Morgan as Justin Bennett. Front (LR) Michelle Herbert as Trisha Yates, Lyndy Brill as Cathy, Linda Slater as Susi McMahon and Ruth Davies as Penny Lewis in 1978
The character was played by George from episode one through season five, and accompanied Todd Carty’s Tucker Jenkins for three seasons of the spin-off Tucker’s Luck.
Grange Hill Gold was lucky enough to talk to George about early auditions, on-set friendships, favorite moments and more in this exclusive interview.
After his time at Grange Hill, George continued to pursue his acting opportunities and landed the role of PC Driscoll in 1989’s The Bill.
After giving up acting, George – who lived at Waltham Abbey – had become a technical director of theater at a public school.
The cast celebrated 40 years of Grange Hill in 2018: (LR) Lisa Skeates (played by Christine Everson), Joanne Boakes (played by Anita Unsworth), Mark Baxter (played by Duane Orpington), Linda Magistris (played by Susie McMahon), George Armstrong (played by Alan Humphries), Anna Home (principal of Grange Hill), Paul McCarthy (played by Tommy Watson)