• Published: Aug 06 2025 07:06 PM
  • Last Updated: Aug 06 2025 07:11 PM

Norman Eshley, best known for George and Mildred, has passed away at 79. Tributes pour in for the beloved British actor and TV icon.


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Norman Eshley, veteran British actor well known for his role as Jeffrey Fourmile in the sitcom, George and Mildred, died today at the age of eighty. His family confirmed the news today, revealing his death was the result of old age.

No further information had been provided about the cause of his death, although his family confirmed that he died in the comfort of his own home.

During the 70s and 80s, Eshley starred in numerous British television shows earning a reputation for his sharp wit and now, he is remembered all over the UK and the world. Aside from George and Mildred, he had parts in The Legacy of Reginald Perrin, Doctor Who, The Duchess of Duke Street, and Coronation Street.

Eshley was born in 1945 and attended RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) and trained as an actor. His acting career started in the theatre, and over the years, he gradually made his way into television.

Fans and Celebrities Pay Tribute

Tributes have been pouring in on social media following news of his death. British presenter Luke Davies (@TheLiveLuke) shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), recalling a personal moment with the actor.

Davies also posted a photo from their 2017 meeting, showing a smiling Norman with fans at a convention — a testament to the actor's enduring popularity and approachability.

Tributes Pour In

Veteran British actor Eshley has had an incredible impact in British comedy and drama for over five decades, earning the respect and love of both peers and fans alike, which is now being showcased on social media.

Brian Murphy, who worked with him on George and Mildred, described him as “a true gentleman and a comedic genius who brought joy to millions.”   

Norman Eshley’s depiction of the stiff, supercilious neighbor Jeffrey Fourmile made him a household name and George and Mildred one of the most cherished British sitcoms of its time.   

Norman Eshley had a diverse career of television and film, and theater which lasted over 50 years.   

Family and friends are likely to be the only attendees at a private funeral. There might be plans for a public memorial service to be announced later.

FAQ

Eshley’s family shares that Norman Eshley passed away after suffering from some chronic illness, although the specific illness has not been publicly disclosed. 

Norman Eshley died a few weeks shy of celebrating his eightieth birthday. 

Norman Eshley was known to have been dealing with his chronic health problems for some time, so the public speculation of his death in August was to some degree reasonable. 

George and Mildred, one of the United Kingdom’s most successful sitcoms of its time featured Norman Eshley who played the character of Jeffrey Fourmile, a condescending and pretentious neighbor. 

Eshley was known to have been funny and quick-witted but the narrative that he spun around his personal life indicates he never married and was not known to have children as he was openly gay. 

Norman Eshley was a thespian who was also known to have been trained in a range of television series like ‘The Duchess of Duke Street’, ‘Blind Terror’, and many stage programs, as well as ‘Keeping Up Appearances.’ 

Norman Eshley was born in England but specifically from Bristol and trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Theater and Dance.

He lived a quiet life, away from the public eye following a head injury he sustained in 2003.  

He had almost completely stopped appearing in public professionally and had only a handful of out public appearances and had a very limited engagements following the head injury.

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