From Shock Til You Drop.com:  British actor Edward Woodward has died at the age of 79.

He is best known to horror fans for his turn as the unfortunate Sergeant Howie in 1973’s The Wicker Man, directed by Robin Hardy. In the film, he was tempted by the gorgeous Britt Ekland and shared the screen with Christopher Lee.

Later, he’d go on to star in the television series The Equalizer and Edgar (Shaun of the Dead) Wright’s Hot Fuzz.

His agent Janet Glass said the veteran of stage and screen had been ill for several months and passed away in hospital surrounded by members of his family.

Woodward is survived by his wife, the English actress Michele Dotrice, and four children.

via Wicker Man’s Woodward Dies at 79 – ShockTillYouDrop.com.

The 87-year-old star, famed for his role as Count Dracula in a string of Hammer horror movies, was honoured by the Prince of Wales for his services to drama and charity.

Lee is one of the U.K.’s most prolific actors with roles in 1973’s The Wicker Man, 1974 Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun, and more recently appearing in the new Star Wars films and the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

Rocker Joe Brown was also presented with an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his contribution to music during the ceremony in London. »

via Christopher Lee Knighted.