Leonard Rossiter was one of the most remarkable British actors of his generation, famed for his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and an innate ability to portray eccentric, flawed characters with an irresistible blend of comedy and pathos. Best remembered for his iconic roles as Rigsby in Rising Damp and Reginald Perrin in The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Rossiter’s career spanned several decades across theatre, television, and film. However, few knew of his multifaceted talents beyond acting, including his athleticism and his proficiency as a squash player, which complemented his boundless energy on stage. His life was a study in contrasts—brilliant yet often private, exacting in his work yet modest about his personal achievements.
Born on 21 October 1926 in Wavertree, Liverpool, Leonard Rossiter grew up in a modest household. His father, John Rossiter, was a barber, and his mother, Elizabeth, looked after the family. From an early age, Rossiter was exposed to the hardships of life. His father’s death in 1939 during an air raid in the Second World War left a profound mark on the young Leonard, who had to mature quickly. Like many in his generation, the war shaped his formative years, and he initially had no ambitions of becoming an actor. Instead, his early passions were sports, particularly football, and later, squash—a game he would excel in as he grew older.
Rossiter attended Liverpool Collegiate School, where he showed promise as an athlete. His natural agility and competitive streak made him a formidable squash player, and it was said that he approached the sport with the same intensity and discipline he would later apply to acting. His love for squash remained with him throughout his life, and even at the height of his acting career, he continued to play regularly. In interviews, Rossiter mentioned how squash helped him maintain focus and physical fitness, which were vital for the demanding roles he often undertook. “Squash was a way of keeping sharp, mentally and physically,” he once remarked. “It gave me balance in a world that sometimes felt chaotic.”
Despite his athletic interests, Rossiter’s professional path took him in a different direction after completing school. He began working for the Commercial Union Insurance Company, studying accountancy at night to secure a stable career. However, the routine and tedium of office life quickly left him unsatisfied. It was during this period that Rossiter discovered his love for acting, attending drama society meetings and performing in amateur productions at the University of Liverpool. It was there, in the shadows of the stage, that Rossiter realised he had found his true calling.
By the early 1950s, Rossiter had made the decision to pursue acting full-time. His journey began in repertory theatre, often considered the rigorous training ground for many British actors. Working in theatres across the north of England, Rossiter took on a wide variety of roles, from Shakespearean drama to light-hearted farce. This early stage work helped him hone his craft, teaching him discipline and versatility. In a 1981 interview, Rossiter reflected on this period: “Repertory was where you learned the ropes. It was hard, relentless work, but it gave me the foundation to do anything, whether it was comedy, tragedy, or something in between.”
It wasn’t until 1962 that Rossiter experienced his first significant breakthrough, when he was cast in John Mortimer’s The Wrong Side of the Park in London’s West End. Though the play itself was not an overwhelming success, Rossiter’s performance caught the attention of critics and audiences alike, and soon, he became a sought-after actor in both theatre and television. His early reputation was built on his ability to portray characters that were, as he once put it, “deliciously flawed.” He had a natural affinity for playing pompous, obsessive, or downtrodden men, but always with a subtle vulnerability that made them relatable.
As his television career began to take off in the late 1960s, Rossiter found himself cast in a role that would define him for years to come: Rupert Rigsby, the misanthropic landlord in Rising Damp (1974–1978). Rising Damp was a sitcom set in a crumbling boarding house, with Rossiter’s Rigsby as its miserly, lecherous proprietor. The character was a blend of comic bluster and tragic loneliness, and Rossiter played him with remarkable precision. His facial expressions alone could convey an entire spectrum of emotions, from smug self-satisfaction to crestfallen disappointment.
Rigsby’s unrequited love for the elegant Miss Jones, played by Frances de la Tour, and his condescending attitude toward his tenants provided the show with its most memorable moments. De la Tour would later recall how Rossiter was the driving force behind the show’s success: “Leonard was extraordinary to work with. His energy was boundless. He was always one step ahead of everyone, both mentally and physically. When he got into character, it was like watching a master at work—no one could touch him.”
Rossiter’s portrayal of Rigsby was a masterclass in physical comedy. With his wiry frame and almost elastic facial expressions, he brought an explosive energy to the role, whether he was flailing his arms in frustration or sneaking around the house in search of gossip. Yet beneath the exaggerated mannerisms, Rossiter imbued the character with a sense of pathos. As grotesque as Rigsby’s prejudices and schemes could be, there was something fundamentally tragic about his loneliness and insecurity. It was this balance of comedy and sadness that made Rigsby such an enduring figure in British television.
While Rising Damp was at its peak, Rossiter took on another iconic television role: Reginald Perrin in The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin (1976–1979). Based on David Nobbs’ satirical novels, the series followed the middle-aged Perrin as he spiralled into a full-blown mid-life crisis, rebelling against the banality of his suburban life and his soul-crushing job. The show was a pointed critique of the absurdities of modern society, and Rossiter’s performance was nothing short of brilliant. He managed to capture the existential weariness of Perrin while also delivering moments of surreal, slapstick humour.
One of the show’s most famous scenes saw Perrin faking his own death, only to return in a series of increasingly ludicrous disguises. This plotline gave Rossiter ample opportunity to showcase his versatility as an actor, and he moved seamlessly between the absurd and the profound. His portrayal of Perrin struck a deep chord with audiences, many of whom saw in Perrin a reflection of their own frustrations with the monotony of modern life. David Nobbs would later comment, “Leonard had the gift of making you laugh at the absurdity of it all, while also making you sympathise with the man behind the madness. That’s why he was so special.”
Despite his television success, Rossiter remained deeply committed to theatre throughout his career. He appeared in numerous productions in London’s West End, and was a regular performer with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Some of his most acclaimed stage roles included performances in Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming and Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy. In Joe Orton’s Loot, Rossiter’s performance as the corrupt Inspector Truscott was widely praised, with critics noting his impeccable timing and his ability to combine menace with farce.
Rossiter’s professionalism and work ethic were legendary. Directors and co-stars often remarked on his intense focus and attention to detail. However, this dedication sometimes led to tensions on set, as Rossiter had a reputation for being a perfectionist. Director Ronnie Baxter once said, “Leonard had a vision for how things should be done, and he wasn’t afraid to fight for it. He demanded the best from everyone around him, including himself.” While some found his approach difficult, few could deny the results—Rossiter’s performances were always meticulous, whether on stage or screen.
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Away from the spotlight, Rossiter led a relatively private life. He married actress Josephine Tewson in 1958, though the marriage ended in divorce just three years later. In 1964, he married Gillian Raine, with whom he had a daughter, Camilla. Rossiter was described by those close to him as a deeply thoughtful, if sometimes reserved, man. His dedication to his craft often took precedence over his personal life, something Raine later acknowledged: “Leonard was never truly at ease unless he was working. Acting was his life, and while that could be hard for those around him, it’s also what made him so great.”
An intriguing aspect of Rossiter’s personality was his ongoing love for sport, especially squash. Even as his acting career flourished, Rossiter remained a competitive squash player, often using the sport as a way to stay in shape and unwind. His colleagues frequently noted his stamina and agility on stage, qualities he attributed to his regular squash matches. In fact, many believed that it was his athleticism that allowed him to perform such physically demanding roles with apparent ease. Rossiter himself once remarked, “Acting and squash aren’t so different—both require precision, timing, and the ability to read your opponent, whether it’s a character or a ball.”
Rossiter’s career also included a number of film roles, though his presence on the silver screen never quite reached the heights of his television and theatre work. He appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Barry Lyndon (1975), as well as Oliver! (1968) and The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976). Though often in supporting roles, Rossiter’s performances were always memorable, marked by the same intensity and attention to detail that characterised his stage and television work.
Tragically, Leonard Rossiter’s life came to an untimely end on 5 October 1984, when he died of a heart attack while preparing to go on stage in the West End production of Loot. His sudden death at the age of 57 shocked his colleagues and fans alike. Tributes poured in from all corners of the entertainment industry, with many praising his extraordinary talent and professionalism. Frances de la Tour, his longtime co-star from Rising Damp, spoke for many when she said, “Leonard was one of a kind. His energy, his precision, his brilliance—they were unmatched. We’ve lost a true original.”
In the years since his passing, Leonard Rossiter’s work has continued to be celebrated, with Rising Damp and The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin regarded as two of the greatest British sitcoms of all time. His unique ability to blend humour with deeper human truths remains an inspiration to actors and comedians alike. As comedian Ricky Gervais once observed, “Leonard Rossiter was a genius. He could take the most ordinary situation and make it extraordinary. That’s what great acting is all about.”
Leonard Rossiter was more than just a brilliant actor. He was a man who understood the power of precision—whether in his craft, on the squash court, or in life. His dedication, his talent, and his legacy continue to influence British entertainment, reminding us of the rare gift he brought to the world.
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