Tom Georgeson dies aged 88: Between The Lines star passes away as his family pays tribute

Actor Tom Georgeson has died at the age of 88.

The Liverpool native found fame appearing on the BBC‘s Boys from the Blackstuff in 1982 and had supporting parts on other shows like Between The Lines.

He also made guest appearances in numerous popular shows including Holby City, Doctor Who, The Bill and Brookside.

His family said his death came as a shock, though no further details have been disclosed about the circumstances of his passing.

Tom had been living in London and is survived by his wife Prim and children Richard and Roslyn.

His film credits included A Fish Called Wanda, opposite John Cleese, where his character’s name ‘George Thomason’ was a play on his own.

Actor Tom Georgeson has died at the age of 88
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Actor Tom Georgeson has died at the age of 88

His family said his death came as a shock, though no further details have been disclosed about the circumstances of his passing (pictured in 1999)
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His family said his death came as a shock, though no further details have been disclosed about the circumstances of his passing (pictured in 1999)

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He also appeared in Notes On A Scandal with Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.

Danny Conway, Tom’s nephew, told the Liverpool ECHO: ‘I’m gutted because we weren’t expecting it. Last time I spoke to him he was in good health.

‘I woke up to that news today and it’s just sad. I was really proud of him and felt lucky to have a famous uncle.’

Danny added Tom had remained closely connected to his roots despite his success, and was admired within the family for his values.

He said: ‘There’s a strong socialist streak in the family. It’s a bit like Bill Shankly’s mantra.’

Tom was perhaps best known for his long-standing collaboration with writer Alan Bleasdale, appearing in Boys from the Blackstuff, Scully and GBH.

In Boys from the Blackstuff, a drama shaped by the economic hardship of the Thatcher era, he played the security guard Dixie Dean, a role that contributed to the programme’s enduring cultural impact.

Throughout his career, Tom became recognised for portraying working-class characters with authenticity, reflecting both his upbringing in Liverpool and his commitment to the stories he chose to tell.

The Liverpool native found fame appearing on the BBC's Boys from the Blackstuff in 1982 (pictured with Neil Pearson)
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The Liverpool native found fame appearing on the BBC’s Boys from the Blackstuff in 1982 (pictured with Neil Pearson)

Tom’s frequent collaborator Alan Bleasdale has remained a respected figure in British drama, working in television and theatre.

In recent years, the now 79-year-old has focused on adapting his iconic 1980s work for the stage, including a 2023-2024 revival of his acclaimed TV series Boys from the Blackstuff.

A spokesperson for the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres said: ‘We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Georgeson – a much‑loved Liverpool actor whose talent, generosity and unmistakable presence shaped so many moments on our stages since he first performed with us in the 1970s.

‘In more recent times, Tom appeared in The Kindness of Strangers, Tony Green’s play created for the Everyman’s 40th birthday season in 2004.

‘He returned memorably to the Playhouse in the comedy When We Are Married, sharing the stage with Les Dennis and Jodie McNee.

‘In each of these roles, he brought the same depth, wit and humanity that defined his work across film, television and theatre.

‘Tom was one of our city’s great actors, and we’re grateful and proud to have been an artistic home he returned to throughout his career.

‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’