Julian Holloway, the versatile British actor known for his roles in the “Carry On” film series and “Doctor Who,” died on February 16, 2025, at age 80, at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset following a brief illness.
Actress Sarah Douglas, who had collaborated with Julian Holloway since the 1970s, expressed deep sadness over losing her dear friend. She shared that she had known Holloway for decades and described him as the best of friends throughout all those years. Douglas fondly recalled his remarkable wit, noting how their time together was filled with endless laughter.
Holloway’s career spanned 59 years, during which he appeared in eight “Carry On” films between 1967 and 1976, including “Carry On Doctor,” “Carry On Up The Khyber,” and “Carry On Camping.” His television work included memorable appearances in “The Avengers,” “Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?,” and the “Doctor Who” serial “Survival” – the final story of the show’s original 26-year run. He also appeared in “The Professionals” and “Rumpole of the Bailey.”
Actor and broadcaster Morris Bright paid tribute, expressing his sadness and referring to Holloway as “an accomplished actor who could play comedy as deftly as serious roles.”
Born in Watlington, Oxfordshire, on June 24, 1944, Holloway attended Ludgrove School, Harrow School, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His acting career began in 1961 with an episode of “The Avengers,” followed by his first major role as Quentin in the 1962-63 television season of “Our Man Higgins.”
Holloway later became a successful voice actor, primarily in the United States. He voiced characters in 55 episodes of James Bond Jr., an animated American series based on the James Bond franchise. His voice work extended to “Captain Zed” and the “Zee Zone,” “Where’s Waldo?,” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” where he portrayed Prime Minister Almec. He also provided the voice of Death in the Cartoon Network series “Regular Show” for six seasons.
Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes expressed her sorrow on Facebook, writing: “Oh I am very sad. Wonderful man. Wishing you and all his family long life. Too many going.”
Beyond his television and film work, Holloway’s voice artistry extended into video games, where he performed in titles such as “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and “Medal of Honor: European Assault.” His versatility as a voice actor made him a sought-after talent in the gaming industry.
Holloway maintained strong connections throughout his career to the British and American entertainment industries. His early work in British television included appearances in the police drama “The Sweeney” and other popular series of the era. His transition to voice acting in the United States demonstrated his adaptability and sustained relevance in the entertainment industry across multiple decade
The actor was the son of “My Fair Lady” actor and singer Stanley Holloway and his wife Violet and the father of supermodel-turned-author Sophie Dahl, born from his relationship with Tessa Dahl, daughter of author Roald Dahl and actress Patricia Neal. Sophie Dahl has authored several works, including “The Man with the Dancing Eyes” (2003) and “Playing With the Grown-ups” (2007).
Holloway was married twice: first to actress Zena Walker in 1971 and later to voice artist Debbie Wheeler in 1991, but both marriages ended in divorce.
