Carry On legend Julian Holloway dies aged 80 as tributes flood in for iconic actor
Julian Holloway, the beloved Carry On film star and father of author Sophie Dahl, has died aged 80.
The British actor, who appeared in eight Carry On films between 1967 and 1976, was the son of celebrated actor and comedian Stanley Holloway.
His death was announced yesterday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors and industry figures.
Holloway was known for his versatile acting career spanning both comedy and serious roles, from his appearances in Carry On Camping and Carry On Up The Khyber to numerous television performances.
Holloway made his mark in the iconic Carry On franchise during a nine-year period, becoming a mainstay of the beloved British comedy series.
He starred in eight Carry On films between 1967 and 1976, including memorable performances in Carry On Camping and Carry On Up The Khyber.
Very sad to be told Julian Holloway has died aged 80. An accomplished actor who could play comedy as deftly as serious roles, from A Hard Day’s Night to Carry On and beyond. Son of Stanley Holloway whose OBE I was recently bequeathed. I shall look after it in both their memories. pic.twitter.com/axeKgHtnVs
— Morris Bright MBE (@MorrisBrightMBE) February 17, 2025
His contribution to the franchise also extended to television, with an appearance in one of the Carry On Christmas TV specials.
Author Morris Bright paid tribute to Holloway’s versatility, noting: “An accomplished actor who could play comedy as deftly as serious roles, from A Hard Day’s Night to Carry On and beyond.”
Harry Potter actress Miriam Margoyles expressed her grief on Facebook, saying: “Oh i am very sad. Wonderful man. Wishing you and all his family long life. Too many going.”
Sarah Douglas, known for her role as Ursa in Superman, shared a heartfelt tribute to her longtime friend.
“I lost a dear friend yesterday and I’m so, so sad,” Douglas said. “I have known Julian Holloway since the early 70’s and he has been the best of friends to me all these years. Julian was the wittiest of men and we would laugh and laugh.”
She added: “He was a friend through thick and thin, first in London then LA then back home again.”
Holloway’s television career spanned decades, with appearances in numerous popular series including Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Doctor Who.
He also featured in classic British shows such as Minder, The Professionals, The New Avengers, and Z-Cars.
Later in his career, Holloway established himself as a successful voice actor, most notably as the voice of Death in Cartoon Network’s Regular Show.
His work extended to other animated series, including roles in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and James Bond Jr.
Karl Howman remembered his work in the Porridge film, saying: “Great turn in the Porridge Film as the manager of the ‘Celebrity’ football team.”
Holloway’s personal life was marked by several significant relationships, including a brief romance with Tessa Dahl in 1976.
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Sad news that the Actor Julian Holloway has passed away at the age of 80. R.I.P Julian 😇🙏 pic.twitter.com/waxgn3Rjjk
— 🇬🇧📺 Classic British TV 📺🇬🇧 (@Classicbritcom) February 17, 2025
This relationship led to the birth of his daughter Sophie Dahl, the model and author, in 1977.
He was married to actress Zena Walker in 1971, though the marriage ended shortly after.
In 1991, Holloway married voice over artist and actress Debbie Wheeler, but this union also ended in divorce in 1996.
Born in Watlington, Oxfordshire, on 24 June 1944, he was educated at Ludgrove School, Harrow School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.