Steve Hodson, Beloved Actor from Follyfoot and All Creatures Great and Small, Passes Away at 77
Image credits: Yorkshire Television
Steve Hodson, a cherished actor from the 1970s children's show Follyfoot and the original series of All Creatures Great and Small, has passed away at the age of 77. His daughter, Jessica, shared the news on a Follyfoot Facebook group, stating that he died after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hodson's career in acting began after he earned a placement at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he trained alongside his then-fiancée Anita Carey. He started his career on stage before transitioning to television, featuring in productions such as The Grievance and The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes.
Hodson's breakthrough role came when he played Steve Ross in Follyfoot, a popular TV sitcom that aired from 1971 to 1973. The show, based on Monica Dickens' 1963 novel Cobbler's Dream, followed the lives of three young individuals working at a horse rescue centre. The show's catchy theme song, The Lightning Tree by the Settlers, even made it into the UK's Top 40 hit singles. Hodson's diverse talents also led him to release a single titled Crystal Bay in January 1973, penned by Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees and songwriter Billy Lawrie. He later took on the role of Trooper Raven in the original series of All Creatures Great and Small, sharing screen space with Robert Hardy, Christopher Timothy, and Peter Davison.
Despite his success on screen, Hodson eventually decided to step away from television, citing an incident in Sweden where he was swarmed by fans, which made him realize that the spotlight wasn't for him. He then became a mainstay on BBC radio, dedicating nearly four decades of his career to the drama repertory company from 1975 until 2011. His voice also became highly sought after for audiobooks. Hodson's personal life saw him wed Rosamund Rooth in 1979, though their marriage ultimately led to divorce. He leaves behind two daughters, Eleanor and Jessica, and his granddaughter, Cleo. His legacy in the entertainment industry will be remembered for his iconic roles in Follyfoot and All Creatures Great and Small, as well as his extensive work in radio drama and theatre.
Some of Steve Hodson's notable works include:
- Follyfoot (1971-1973)
- The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (1971)
- Z Cars (1974)
- All Creatures Great and Small (1980)
- Les Misérables (1976) - a 16-part radio adaptation
- Canterbury Tales (1991) - a radio play
As news of his passing spreads, fans and fellow actors alike are paying tribute to Steve Hodson's legacy. His impact on the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come, and his iconic roles in Follyfoot and All Creatures Great and Small will continue to be cherished by audiences around the world. With a career spanning over four decades, Steve Hodson leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of television, radio, and theatre.
hodson follyfoot copd steve creatur small great actor all radio
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