Ross Davidson, one of the original cast members of EastEnders, died at the age of 57, just months after marrying his long-term girlfriend Barbara. The Scottish actor, known for playing nurse Andy O'Brien, passed away following a battle with a brain tumour.
From teacher to actor
Davidson originally worked as a PE teacher in Scotland and competed internationally in water polo for his home country. He later left teaching to run a pub and disco in Glasgow before developing an interest in acting and enrolling in evening classes.
His first television appearance was in a 1979 BBC play, A Degree of Uncertainty, followed by minor roles in BBC dramas such as A Comedy of Errors and Widows II. He also appeared in TV commercials in Germany and Spain, and in the 1983 film Pirates of Penzance and the Monty Python short The Crimson Permanent Assurance.
Breakthrough in EastEnders
In 1985, Davidson landed the role of nurse Andy O'Brien as part of the founding cast of EastEnders. His character was involved in several major storylines, including an affair with Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts, which was discovered by her husband Den. Andy also helped teenager Mary Smith learn to read and led protests against the demolition of Albert Square.
After 18 months in the show, Andy was killed by a lorry driver. Davidson became the first of the original cast to leave EastEnders. He went on to appear in stage productions and worked as a TV host on Daytime Live and Run the Gauntlet, with roles in Brookside, Pobol Y Cwm, Take the High Road, and Hollyoaks.
Illness and final months
In 2005, Davidson was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery, which was unsuccessful. He was readmitted to hospital a month later and told he had a glioblastoma grade 4, the most aggressive form of brain tumour. Three months after his diagnosis, he married his long-standing girlfriend Barbara. In July of that year, he revealed his tumour was inoperable and he had 12 to 18 months to live.
At the time, he said: "I was about to retire. And I was just thinking how life was treating me unbelievably well and then this cancer nonsense comes along and spoils everything. Thanks a lot. I've been killed off at least three times on TV. I've been rehearsing for this for years."
Davidson died on October 16, 2007, at his home in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, leaving behind his wife, eight-year-old son Drew, and three step-children. His agent, Keith Bishop, said: "Ross had surgery three times. He searched the country for a cure and fought a brave fight." Co-star Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, paid tribute, saying: "He was a good man with a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. It's a great shame that he has left us after such a long and brave battle, but he always was a fierce competitor. My thoughts are with his family."
