He was one of the original cast members of the BBC soap and appeared from 1985 to 1996. Mr Treacher died late on Saturday night after a long period of declining health, his family said. A statement from his family said: “The family of actor Bill Treacher are saddened to announce that Bill passed away late on Saturday night, November 5, 2022. “He was 92 years old and his health had been declining for some time. He was dearly loved by his wife Kate, son Jamie and daughter Sophie. “Bill was a brilliant actor and a wonderful husband and father, as well as a very good man. He will be greatly missed. “The family respectfully requests privacy at this time.” Image: Mr Treacher (left) played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders from the start of the series until 1996 Mr Treacher was married to Australian actress Katherine Kessey and the couple had two children. In 2015, he said he was diagnosed with ataxia, a disorder that can affect coordination, balance and speech. He appeared on the soap from when it started in 1985 until 1996, when his character was killed off after getting into a fight on his episode. After EastEnders he had roles in The Bill and Casualty, as well as films such as George and The Dragon (2004), The Muskateer (2001) and Tale of the Mummy (1998). “A wonderful, wonderful man” Former cast members paid tribute to the star with Gillian Taylforth, who played Kathy Beale in EastEnders, saying: ‘I have so many happy memories of Bill, we were actually sharing stories of him at work the other day, about how he always he had a twinkle in his eye, usually before making us laugh during scenes. “Bill was a wonderful, wonderful man who will be truly missed and I send all our love to his wife Kate and his family.” Letitia Dean, another original cast member who played Sharon Watts, said: “Bill really was the life and soul of the set, he was an absolute joy to be around and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye of. Image: Mr. Treacher with his on-screen wife, Wendy Richard, who played Pauline Fowler “As an actor, Bill was meticulous and did a lot to portray Arthur, from the smallest scenes to the heartbreaking stories. “Bill was a consummate professional, a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. I send all my love to his family.” Todd Carty, who played the Fowlers’ eldest son Mark, said: “I’m so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing, I really enjoyed working with him. He was not only an amazing actor, but a kind and sincere person. “My thoughts are with his family at this time. He will be sadly missed, never forgotten. May he rest in peace.” ‘Thanks for the memories’ An EastEnders spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Bill Treacher. “As one of our original cast members, Bill created a much-loved character in Arthur Fowler and, along with Wendy Richard, created an iconic family in the Fowlers that remain at the heart of the show. “Bill left EastEnders in 1996, so it’s a real testament to both him and the character he created in Arthur that he is still regarded so fondly. “Bill will always be remembered for his charm, sense of humor – with a smile that lit up the room – and most importantly as a family man who was devoted to his wife and children. “Bill will forever be held with great affection by everyone at EastEnders and everyone who loved watching him. Rest in peace Bill and thank you for the memories.”
