Bafta-winning Bergerac star Lee Montague dies aged 97 as tributes flood in for actor
Bafta-winning actor Lee Montague has died at the age of 97.
The veteran performer enjoyed a distinguished career spanning six decades across stage and screen.
Tributes have poured in for the star, who was a familiar face in London’s South End Green where he lived for 65 years.
Beyond his acting achievements, Montague was known locally as the saviour of Keats Library, forming a committee to rescue the venue when Camden Council announced its closure in 2011.
Born Leonard Goldberg in Bow in 1927, Montague was inspired by drama teacher Mamie Watson at Toynbee Hall, who “saw something in this boy from the East End and urged him on”.
He trained at the Old Vic theatre school, making his stage debut there in 1950.
His early career included prestigious work at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Old Vic with Laurence Olivier.
He also performed at Manchester Royal Exchange and Bristol Old Vic among other notable venues.
Montague’s screen career began impressively in 1952 with John Huston’s Moulin Rouge.
He became known for playing tough, often foreign characters in films including The Silent Enemy, Billy Budd, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence with David Bowie.
In 1965, he made history as the first storyteller on BBC children’s programme Jackanory, going on to narrate 15 episodes.
By the 1970s, he was a familiar face in popular television series including The Sweeney, Bergerac and Seconds Out.
Tributes have been led by Monty Python star Michael Palin, who said: “Very sad to hear that I shall not see Lee again. He was such good company, wise, experienced, empathetic, funny. It was always a pleasure to share a stage with him.”
Robert Lindsay, who played a boxer opposite Montague in the 1981 TV series Seconds Out, shared: “I’m devastated as I regarded Lee as my theatrical Dad and I have kept in touch with him over many years.”
Playwright Sir David Hare described Montague as “a consummate gentleman”.
When Camden Council announced the closure of Keats Library in 2011, Montague formed a committee of neighbours to establish the Keats Community Library charity, which continues to operate today.
In recognition of his efforts, he was made President for Life of the library.
So very saddened by the death of the fine actor Lee Montague; who was fabulous to work with & a lovely lovely man.
I was delighted to catch up with him towards the end of last year, many years after working with him on The Sweeney.
Huge sympathy to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/hfW37GYAvN
— Judy Jarvis (@judyjarvis) April 2, 2025
Over the years, Montague wrote numerous scripts which he performed as library fundraisers alongside fellow actors including Michael Palin, Robert Powell, Simon Callow and Janet Suzman.
Stephen Bobasch, Chair of Keats Community Library, said: “Lee did so much for the community. He will be greatly missed.”
A formidable bridge and tennis player, Montague was married to fellow actor Ruth Goring for 67 years until her death in 2023. They had two children together.
He cherished the village atmosphere of South End Green, once telling the Ham&High: “I’m just popping out for five minutes becomes 45 minutes due to the neighbourly chats. Mind you, I am talkative.”
When asked about his epitaph, his typically wry response was: “God knows, he tried.”
The avid Arsenal fan was known for his modesty despite his impressive career achievements.