British actor Norman Eshley has died at the age of 80 following a quiet battle with cancer. The actor, best known for his iconic role as Jeffrey Fourmile in the hit ITV sitcom George and Mildred, passed away peacefully in hospital on August 2, with his wife Rachel by his side.
Confirming the news, his agent Thomas Bowington said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of our client, actor Norman Eshley. A warm, kind and grounded man with a great voice that I will miss not hearing over the phone again.”
Norman’s wife Rachel also shared an emotional tribute: “Although our time together wasn’t long enough, I will be forever grateful for the wonderful times we shared. He was my husband and best friend, and my heart will always be with him.”
Norman rose to fame in the 1970s as the snooty neighbour Jeffrey Fourmile in George and Mildred, appearing alongside Brian Murphy, Yootha Joyce, and Sheila Fearn. The character quickly became a staple of British television comedy.
He also had roles in Man About The House, Canterbury Tales, and appeared in Orson Welles’ The Immortal Story. Before television, Norman’s acting career began on the West End stage, and he was praised for his performances in various Shakespearian productions.
In a touching social media tribute, fellow actress Linda Regan wrote: “RIP my dear dear friend. Brian will be there – you will have a friend. I promise to look after Rachel for you. You were a great actor and a lovely man.”
Outside of acting, Norman was also a co-author of The Dreamtime Of The Artful Dodger, a sequel to Oliver Twist.
He is survived by his wife Rachel, whom he married in 2015, following two earlier marriages — to actress Millicent Martin (1969–1973) and Lynette Braid (1980–1981).
Fans flooded social media with tributes. One wrote: “Heartbroken to read that Norman Eshley has passed away. Grew up with him on Man About The House and George and Mildred. He will be missed.”
