John Benfield has passed away aged 68 following a battle with Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, it was revealed on Wednesday.
The Prime Suspect star, whose real name was John Turner, is reported to have died on June 16 at Oxford’s Sobell House Hospice, according to the Oxford Mail.
Known for his role as DCS Michael Kernan opposite Helen Mirren in the ITV show, the actor leaves behind his wife of 31-years Lilian, son Freddie, and grandson Rex.
Tragic: Prime Suspect star John Benfield has died age 68 following battle with a rare form of cancer, it was revealed on Wednesday
John’s agent Markham, Froggatt & Irwin said he always brought a ‘truth and integrity to his roles and was an imposing, strong and rugged figure, with a soul and belief in his craft.’
MailOnline have contacted John’s representatives for comment.
Born in Essex in 1961, John began his career in acting after graduating from Nottingham University and Webber Douglas School of Drama.
Benfield worked as a chauffeur and an ambulance driver before reading history as a mature student at Nottingham, where he joined the drama society.
He has appeared over 70 TV shows or films over the years, with particular highlights including In The Name Of The Father and Speed Racer
RIP: Known for his role as DCS Michael Kernan opposite Helen Mirren in the ITV show (pictured), John leaves behind his wife of 31-years Lilian, son Freddie, and grandson Rex
In addition to his more serious roles, Benfield was also cast in a number of comedies, such as Hippies as Dad alongside Simon Pegg and Sally Phillips, and BBC’s The Worst Week of My Life as Ron.
His stage work included Sam Mendes’ 1994 production of Glengarry Glen Ross at the Donmar Warehouse in London, Macduff to Pete Postlethwaite’s Macbeth on tour in 1997, and the lead role of Salter in Caryl Churchill’s A Number at Manchester’s Library Theatre in 2009.
One of John’s most recent roles saw him play a barman in 2013 motion picture The Best Offer which featured Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Sylvia Hoeks, and Donald Sutherland.
John also worked with the likes of Sam Mendes and Ken Loach during his career but made his name in Prime Suspect as Mirren’s boss in the force.
Passing: The actor, whose real name was John Turner, is reported to have died on June 16 at Sobell House Hospice, which is based in Oxford
The series ran between 1991 and 2006, and examines misogyny in the police force as Helen’s Detective Chief Inspector, Jane Tennison navigates the male-dominated profession and proves her worth with the support of her boss.
Helen became a household name thanks to her role in Prime Suspect, which she won Best Actress at the British Academy Television Awards. The early episodes of Prime Suspect were watched by 14 million viewers.
Benfield married his wife Lilian on May 6 1989 at Hammersmith Registry Office. Shortly after, they moved from London in 1990 to Old Marston Village where they stayed for 25 years before moving to Witney in 2015.
Fans paid tribute to the actor on Twitter, with one writing: ‘RIPJohn Benfield.He was one of those reassuring faces that would pop up in a drama or comedy & you knew you’d be in good hands.’
Iconic role: John worked with the likes of Sam Mendes and Ken Loach during his career, but made his name in Prime Suspect as Mirren’s boss in the force (pictured with Craig Fairbrass)
Groundbreaking show: Airing between 1991 and 2006, and saw Helen’s DCI Jane Tennison navigate the male-dominated profession with the support of her boss, played by John
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