Macnee was most famous for his role as secret agent, John Steed, in the legendary TV series.
His website says, “Wherever he went, he left behind a trove of memories.” The website also says that Macnee was always at home no matter where in the world he was physically present. Macnee had a natural ability to make friends and to retain friendships.
Macnee’s son, Rupert, confirmed that the actor passed away “peacefully” surrounded by family and friends.
The British actor was a racecar driver’s son who sold tyres in Belfast. He grew up in Berkshire. During his school years, Macnee landed a role in a school production of Henry V, acting opposite a young Christopher Lee.
Macnee received his college education at Eton College. During World War Two he also served in the Royal Navy. In the post-war era, he took up acting landing many roles in film and on TV.
Macnee’s big break in the world of acting came when he was cast for the lead role of The Avengers. The popular series ran through a large part of the late 1960s. In 1976, Macnee returned to his leading role with “The New Avengers.” The second series was nowhere was successful as the first.
In 2014, during a TV interview, referring to the success of the original show, Macnee said that it “did something different and did it better.”
He also said that the show was well written with great ideas. It fulfilled the fantasies of people who dreamed about doing exciting things.
Agent Steed did not look much of a spy even though he carried a sword concealed inside his rolled umbrella. He also carried other crime-fighting gadgets with him. His traditional bowler hat had steel plated interiors and could prevent bullets from striking.
In 2010, Macnee said to The Daily Express that “The Avengers” was so successful because of how groundbreaking it was. It was the first show of its kind to give an equal footing to both its leading man and leading lady. It was rather radical to show a woman kicking and fighting men.
