‘Wicker Man’s’ Edward Woodward Dies at 79

The Guardian reported that Edward Woodward, the British actor who starred in The Wicker Man and TV shows The Equalizer and Callan died from various complications at the age of 79. His agent issued this statement:

“Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.”

Woodward played Sergeant Howie in the 1974 film, The Wicker Man (one of my favorite films). The film also stars Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento, Ingrid Pitt and Britt Ekland. Sergeant Howie visits the isolated and bizarre island of Summerisle to search for a missing girl who mysteriously disappeared. Though the island’s inhabitants deny her disappearance, Howie pursues the case only to discover the pagan underpinnings of the islanders. His chase leads him to a May Day festival where he becomes the sacrifice–burned in the belly of a enormous wicker statue of a man. Woodward delivers a strong performance as the repressed and devoutly Christian detective. One of the most memorable parts of the film is the scene where the inkeeper’s daughter, Willow(Britt Ekland), tries to seduce Woodward by dancing and pounding on the walls of his room while he struggles to overcome his desire for her.

You can watch the trailer for the film below. Go go go watch the movie if you haven’t already. Please for the love of all things do not watch the Nicholas Cage version. It’s absolutely dreadful.

RIP Edward Woodward