Tony Caunter(1937-2025)

Solidly built, balding, extremely prolific British character actor, known chiefly for his lengthy tenure as car dealer Roy Evans on TV's EastEnders (1985), spanning some 634 episodes over a nine year period (1994-2003). He was born Anthony Patrick Caunter in Southampton to Roy Robert and Annie Mary Joy Caunter (née Stratton). He grew up in Worthing, and, after leaving school, served with the RAF. Upon his return to civilian life, Caunter studied drama at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). He first acted on stage with the Farnham Repertory Company (1966-69) and, later, with the Theatre Royal in Windsor (1984-89). His screen debut duly followed in 1962 and he subsequently found many small supporting roles in cult television shows, frequently portraying police officers. Caunter appeared three times as different characters in Doctor Who (1963). He also had recurring roles in Queenie's Castle (1970) (as Diana Dor's sly wheeler-dealer brother-in-law Jack Shepherd), The Legend of Robin Hood (1975) (as Friar Tuck), Beryl's Lot (1973) (next-door neighbour Trevor Tonks), Crown Court (1972) (Inspector Cripps), Juliet Bravo (1980) (Detective Chief Inspector Jim Logan) and The Chief (1990) (Deputy Chief Constable Arthur Quine).

Tony Caunter retired from acting in 2016. Residing in East Sussex, he was married to Frances Wallace and had three sons and a daughter. He died on October 13 2025, aged 88. His wife had predeceased him a week earlier.