Grange Hill star George Armstrong dies aged 60
Grange Hill and The Bill star George Armstrong dead: Actor who played Alan Humphries dies aged 60 after ‘long battle with leukaemia’
Former Grange Hill and The Bill star George Armstrong has passed away at the age of 60.
The actor, who was best known for playing Alan Humphries in the children’s TV drama, passed away on July 11 after a “long battle with leukaemia.”
Announcing the news on Twitter, a Grange Hill fan account wrote: ‘I 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, with one fan writing, “That’s so sad. He was a legend.’
Heartbreaking news: Former Grange Hill and The Bill star George Armstrong has passed away at the age of 60
Devastating: The actor, who was best known for playing Alan Humphries in the children’s TV 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. Way too young. Our childhood stars pass before our eyes.’
A third added: ‘A character from my childhood. Such 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 hear of the passing of this lovely man. RIP George Armstrong, who many will remember as #GrangeHill’s Alan Humphries xx #70s #80s.’
Born in London, George began acting at a young age, but landed his first notable role as Hubert Lane in 1977’s Just William. He co-starred with Bonnie Langford in the television adaptation.
Grange Hill, which premiered on BBC1 in 1978 and ran until 2008, was a popular children’s television drama series depicting life at a comprehensive school.
The show dealt with typical school issues such as bullying, but also persistent storylines such as racism, drugs and teenage pregnancy.
Alan Humphries became one of the main original characters of the TV series between 1978 and 1982.
Announcing the news on Twitter, a Grange Hill fan account wrote: ‘I 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, with one fan writing, “That’s so sad. He was a legend.’
Grange Hill: Back (LR) Vincent Hall as Michael Doyle, George Armstrong as Alan Humphries, Mark Eadie as Andrew Stanton, unidentified male, Todd Carty as Tucker, unidentified female, Terry Sue Patt as Benny Green and Robert Morgan as Justin Bennett. Front (L-R) Michelle Herbert as Trisha Yates, Lyndy Brill as Cathy, Linda Slater as Susi McMahon and Ruth Davies as Penny Lewis in 1978
Played by George from the first episode to series 5, the character joined Todd Carty’s Tucker Jenkins for three series of the ‘Tucker’s Luck’ spin-off.
Grange Hill Gold was lucky enough to talk to George about early auditions, steady friendships, favorite moments and much more in this exclusive interview.
After his time at Grange Hill, George continued to pursue acting opportunities, taking on the role of PC Driscoll in The Bill in 1989.
Since retiring from acting, George – who lived at Waltham Abbey – had become a state school technical theater manager.