ACTING legend Bruce Montague, who starred alongside Darius Campbell Danesh on stage, has died at the age of 83.
The tragic news comes just days after it was announced Pop Idol’s Darius had died at the age of 41 in his US apartment.
The pair appeared together alongside Sheridan Smith in a 2016 production of Funny Girl at The Savoy theatre in London.
Montague also acted in over 300 TV productions during his packed career, with Doctor Who, Hollyoaks and the TV sitcom Butterflies among his credits.
Confirming the news of his death this week, talent Agency Belfield and Ward said: “We are very sad to report that the glorious Bruce Montague has passed away.
“Such a gentleman and he will be sorely missed. What a talent and what a career on stage and screen! From Butterflies to more recently Funny Girl and 42nd St.
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“Rest well darling man!”
Fans were were left heartbroken by the news, with tributes pouring in online.
One person wrote on Twitter: “I’m so terribly sad to hear this.
“Bruce was a darling man and a glorious actor and will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.”
Another wrote: “He was a fantastic Abner Dillion in 42nd St which I saw 115 times at Drury Lane, but loved him as Leonard, Ria’s love interest in Butterflies, and yes a true gentleman.”
Montague filled London theatres for years with his performances as Mr Brownlow in Oliver! and Firman in The Phantom of the Opera.
More recently, he played Abner Dillon in a UK tour of 42nd Street, returning to the role for the major 2017 West End revival at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
He also helped sell out the hit Funny Girl production at the Savoy with Sheridan Smith and Darius.
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Singer Darius, who burst onto the scene with his memorable rendition of Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time for his audition on the talent show Popstars in 2001, was found dead in his US apartment on August 11.
While his cause of his death isn’t known, US cops have said there are no suspicious circumstances.
