Monarch of the Glen star Alexander Morton dies aged 81: Tributes pour in as Scottish actor who was Leo Woodall's stepfather passes away
Scottish actor Alexander 'Sandy' Morton, who is best known for playing Golly Mackenzie in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen, has died aged 81.
The TV star appeared in all 64 episodes of Monarch of the Glen between 2000 and 2005 and also had parts in a string of British shows including Taggart, Casualty, Luther and Shetland.
Morton was also the stepfather of White Lotus and Bridget Jones star Leo Woodall, 29, after marrying the young actor's mother Jane.
He met his third wife Jane before filming Monarch of the Glen when she was his landlady whilst he was working in London.
Morton founded the Raindog Theatre Company with fellow actors Robert Carlyle and Caroline Paterson, and Carlyle led tributes on social media on Thursday.
'Not only a brilliant actor, but one of the kindest men I ever knew. Working with him through the years with Raindog Theatre Company was an education,' he wrote.
Scottish actor Alexander 'Sandy' Morton, who is best known for playing Golly Mackenzie in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen, has died aged 81
Morton founded the Raindog Theatre Company with fellow actors Robert Carlyle and Caroline Paterson, and Carlyle led tributes on social media on Thursday
'His unique, naturalistic style was a thing of beauty. So real that you would forget he was even acting at all. I've never seen anyone do it better than Sandy.
'He taught me so much. I owe him so much, and he will forever be in my heart. RIP Alexander Morton.'
Also paying tribute was fellow actor Gavin Mitchell, who posted: 'Such devastating news to hear of the passing of Sandy Morton today from his son Jamie.
'He taught and gave me so much. Warm, wise, encouraging, generous and gentle. An exceptional talent.'
'I was lucky enough to work with him on various things over the years, from the inception of Raindog Theatre Company and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, panto, radio, Monarch of the Glen, of course, and much more.
'His door was always open and always tales to share. He loved music, history, politics, radio, and remained eternally curious. I loved him dearly and I owe him a lot.'
'I'll miss our chats and I'll miss catching him off guard and making him chortle. We've lost one of the best. All my love. Travel well Sandy.'
Born in Glasgow in 1945, Morton trained at London‘s Central School of Speech and Drama in the 1960s.
The TV star appeared in all 64 episodes of Monarch of the Glen between 2000 and 2005 and also had parts in a string of British shows including Taggart, Casualty, Luther and Shetland; Pictured with Alastair McKenzie in Monarch of the Glen
He had an uncredited role in the 1971 film Get Carter, working alongside Michael Caine and Britt Ekland.
In 1980, he landed the role as Andy Semple in the STV soap opera Take the High Road, and continued in the role for 14 years.
More recently, he took on the character of Billy Kennedy in River City from 2012 to 2015, returning to the role again in 2022.
