Condolences
8
I remember meeting my hero as a child Lewis Collins at the vauxhall astra launch at Kirkby central in Bolton. i Loved watching him in the the professionals RIP Lewis my thoughts are with your family. You will not be forgotten
Mark in chorley Lancashire
One of my earliest memories is nagging my father to let me watch 'The Professionals'on tv, my favourite character was obviously 'Bodie'. Now in my forties I'm still watching re-runs of the Professionals on tv. My wife bought me 'Who Dares Wins' for xmas and my sister got me a Professionals T shirt as a joke a few years back. I managed to catch Lewis live when Dangerous Corner played at my local theatre. I had no idea what the play was about, but who cared Lewis was in it so it must be good. As others have stated watching Lewis was part of my growing up. Gone but not forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family R.I.P Lewis. From a fellow Merseysider.
M.Lea
Goodbye Bodie. Cristina (Roma - Italia)
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time a brilliant actor.
I kept in touch with Lew for many years - my mum died two months ago and this GREAT man emailed me to say how sorry he was! he was ill and he took time to do that! Lew i miss you buddy
Gary Want - UK
I was so very sad to hear the news about Lewis, I just loved to watch him as a Child and have enjoyed watching him all through my adult life in the television repeats of The Professionals and on DVD. He was my first ever "Heartthrob" all those years ago, such a beautiful man, but more importantly, a very entertaining and charismatic Actor. He could always put a smile on my face, and he always will. Rest in Peace Lewis, and thank you for all the pleasure watching you has given me over the years". My deepest condolences to Lewis's Family. Elaine S.
SO very sad to here that lewis has gone,what an actor R I P. and condolences to his family.
so sad to hear of Lewis passing. an Icon in my world, so obvious is the years in the 'Professionals'. and the interest I have in that car made famous by his deeds... do you know.. its his face, his actions .. I will miss him ave been calledloads. too early, the man should not have been called to leave so early... there was so much more to be seen.
RIP..one of many fans...........
Really can't believe this news. R.I.P Lewis!
Always remember when he appeared on Tiswas. Was one of the funniest things I'd ever seen.
I'm sure there'll be a lot of cardboard boxes to smash through up there.
R.I.P Lewis you gave us all great pleasure and my grandsons will be the next generation to enjoy your great character Bodie. Condolences to your family x
RIP Lewis Collins, you were a true inspiration.
Such a Great Actor will be sadly missed but' will always be re remembered RIP LEWIS
Rest In Peace Bodie ,Gone but never forgotten
Words fail me; such desperately sad news, its hard to believe you are gone Lewis. You were such a major part of my teenage years, filming your greatest achievement just a few miles away from me. Crouch End, Hornsey, Turnpike Lane, the memory of you has and never will leave this corner of North London. Lewis you were the greatest. RIP Great Man. The whole world now knows you should have been Bond. My profound condolences to the Collins' family. John
I live on the Wirral and since a child I have always been a huge fan of Lewis. It's a shock to hear of the sad news and I send you all blessings at this sad time. Lewis was a great actor and a lovely person. He will be greatly missed here on the Wirral. We are all proud of what he gave to the world. Cris Fenton
I met Lewis at his 40th Birthday Party the Friendship Circle organised which was held in Finchley, London. Me and my friend Karen gave him a huge card from us both :) It was a fantastic evening that I will never forget! I also attended a party for the launch of his greatest achievement "Who Dares Wins" wearing a Charlston dress I made especially for the night!! He was a handsome, cheeky and funny guy. I could never understand how he seemed to disappear from our screens, he was naturally talented as an actor and a singer........... feel so very sad that he has now gone......... he will be greatly missed, wonderful, wonderful man :) My thoughts go to his wife and sons xxxxx Taken too soon xxxxx REST IN PEACE LEWIS xxxxx
I used to watch the Professionals as a kid and this guy was my hero.Heroes don't die, they live on as legends..R.I.P Lewis
Lewis you were a such an icon whilst I was growing up! ( I always thought you should have seduced Diane Keen) Who Dares Wins, Professionals, Cuckoo Waltz, etc I loved your work man! So sorry you have left us so soon, should have had many more great roles, 'Our Steve Mcqueen,' ( and Northern too!) love Tank the Manc! dx
Great actor, my childhood memories of wanting to be a professional. Sad loss, RIP and condolences to his family.
My heart sank when i heard lewis had passed away, i've loved watching the Professionals all my life and for me he was the star of the show. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Matthew
Soooo sad to hear the news about Lewis. I loved watching the Professionals as a teenager and Bodie was my favourite. My condolences to his Wife and Sons. Bet Lewis is causing havoc in heaven already, abseiling own walls and doing car chases. It's a long time since I have felt so upset and distraught by a celebrities death. R.I.P. Lewis, Carol Packer. Uk
Thanks for the memories mate. Birkenhead sends its condolences RIP pal
RIP Lewis. Will be greatly missed by so many. My condolences to his family and friends. xxx Olwen, Australia
Thoughts and prayers go to you and your family great man great actor
I always wanted to be like Bodie in the professionals... This is so sad. So sorry Lewis.. RIP. Stuart Dutton Edinburgh
Great loss of a well distinguished actor and a northerner too. I liked comparing the professionals to that of the Sweeney series,but thought that the professionals tv series was better in ways,then its rival.Yes I believed he would have been a great addition to the James Bond films if he had got the role. Goodbye and good rest to you Lewis.
He was great at what he did god bless him and thanks for the services you did for us in the tv world. say hello to the cow for me cheers mate
What a shock!
A much underused, undervalued and underrated actor. I remember him first of all from 'The Cuckoo Waltz', the 1970s sitcom. Later of course in 'The Professionals', and very fondly from his run of films with Klaus Kinski et al.
Too young!
Condolences to his family and friends.
RIP, fella!
www.DerekStewart.co.uk
I grew up watching Lewis in the Professionals as I'm sure many visitors to this site will have as well. When I heard the news that Lewis had passed away I felt such a real sadness. I guess part of growing old has some inevitability that these things happen but he was far too young and I'm sure still had more to offer. My very sincere condolences to Lewis's family, friends and fellow fans. You'll be sadly missed Lewis.
Rob Ward
So very sad. He brought me so much pleasure with his acting. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP Lewis Collins. You will be fondly remembered.
Carol, USA
R.I.P 3.7
it is with great sadness that a 1st class british actor lewis Collins sadley passed away rip you will be sadley missed,paull.x
Hugely underrated actor, brought great warmth to the tough character of Bodie. A great part of childhood memories is now gone. My condolences to his family , he will be greatly missed by a whole generation.
I was and still am deeply touched by the sad news of Lewis Collins' passing; he leaves the memory of a wonderful person and a great actor and will always be loved and admired by his innumerable fans all around the world.
My condolences to his family i was brought up in the 70s and the professionals was the 70s, he was also a great actor I loved him in Who dares wins and Jack the ripper, truly underrated as an actor RIP
The first TV show I can remember liking as a young boy was The Professionals. The first toy I can hold a clear memory of playing with was a Professionals CI5 set with gun and id card-I had curly hair so looked like Doyle (so my mum said), but I realised that Bodie was the cool one....
My true condolences to the family & friends
Carl Neville
Reading
UK
You were part of my life for over 40 years Lew and I adored you in The Professionals. You left us far too soon, God Bless you. Thoughts are with your family at this sad time, they must be devastated.
You are a part of my childhood that will never leave me, and never e forgotten. A childhood hero. Dave, London
You are the really Professional ... here and in Heaven ! I loved your Role as Body ! Rest in Peace ... Condolences to your family and friends from one of your best Fan from Germany.
Like so many I grew up with watching Lewis in the Professionals which I still watch from time to time and 'Who Dares Wins', even going to watch him in panto when I was young, I remember how acrobatic he was. Was deeply shocked with the news today, end of an era. R.I.P Lewis and best wishes to his family. Richard C (Staffordshire).
So,so sorry to hear this sad news. Definitely one of my teenage heartthrobs/first crush, loved the professionals,you'll never be forgotten. Deepest sympathy and condolences to your family.You will be missed..Rest in peace.
Jacqui
Kent,England
God Bless and RIP - from one of the many children of the 70s who wanted to be Bodie!
An entire generation of Professionals fans are left sad and shocked by this news. Lewis played a character whom we admired and made me (and many others I guess) strive to be tough, cool and triumph against adversity. Bodie lives on. RIP Lewis.
Sincere condolences to Lewis' wife and sons. Very difficult to believe the news. I grew up with The Professionals and watched Who Dares Wins and Code name: Wild geese over and over again. He will be sadly missed by his many fans. May his soul find peace and rest. Lorraine, Ireland
Rest in peace Lewis. Bodie and Doyle were a big part of my childhood,and I want to say that The Professionals was the best television show ever. God bless you, and my sympathies go to the Collins family. I feel very sad this day.Andy from England.
What a handsome man he was. Thank you for my teenage crush, you will always be my favourite Professional. I will always have a place in my heart for you.X
Very sad. Part of my childhood watching The Proffessionals. Left us too soon. Vicky UK
Tall, dark, beautiful... What a great actor. Thank you so much, Mr Collins. R.I.P
Eriko.E from Japan
You were my first crush at 15 and you were Bond to me. Deeply saddened. Loved the humour in the fan letters you sent and have always treasured my signed photograph. My condolences to Lewis's wife and family.
Love, Cheryl fan membership number 2,222.
So sorry to hear this sad news for me he was a local lad done good loved the professionals part of my youth very handsome man rip lewis condolences to your family at this sad time xx
So very sad to hear that Lewis has passed away. My favourite programme ever & I still hold very dear his autograph & the massive poster & of The Professionals that I scrawled 'I love Lewis Collins - Forever! '.
My sympathy goes out to his family at this sad time & hope they can take comfort from the lovely words & memories from all his friends & fans. We'll all miss that cheeky chappy face. Xx
Rip mate you are a true professional from scully from your home town liverpool
Thanks Lewis for happy memories of friday nights in the late 70s when I was a young boy growing up in Dublin. The whole family and sometimes friends rushed to the local shops for our goodies so we could be ready for our weekly thrill ride,otherwise known as "The Professionals". For me lewis was like for many the "Bond that should have been". The fact that lewis is so fondly remembered as William Bodie is what I believe to be a glowing tribute to his enormous talent as an actor. In these days when there is so much negative news around, the fact that the series is constantly running proves that there is still a hunger for this iconic piece of television history.Escapism is what it was all about and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. So thanks again Lewis for the memories you created for me and countless others,I will keep the Capri "fired-up" for you!
Rip Lewis.
Ps.say hello to Cowley for me.
Many thanks for all the joy and inspiration, Mr. Collins. You will be missed. God bless your family and friends.
Will be sorely missed. Hero then, Hero now, A Hero always. With deepest sympathy. Sean
An iconic actor that inspired me so much. His charm, wit and charisma were unmatched in my opinion. A wonderful man who gave many people so much pleasure through his career. I still watch The Professionals often and will continue to do so - in this way Lewis is immortal! That said, I offer my most sincere condolences to his family. Lindsay (Japan)
R.I.P. Lewis you bought joy to so many Bodie was a legend definitely the best man never to be Bond!
Dean, Surrey
What sad news to hear Lewis has died, he was my favourite professional. R.I.P
icon of my youth has passed away and just wanted to pass on my respect and heart felt sorrow to his family, RIP Mr Collins.
CHill from UK
I couldn't believe the sad news when I heard it today. The Professionals may not have been BAFTA winning drama (far from it!), but it was inextricably part of Friday night as fish and chips in the late 70's/early 80's. You were a fine actor and a great guy, and will be missed. Condolences to his family. Pete, Redhill, Surrey.
So sorry to hear the sad news. I admired no adored him and thought his portrayal of Bodie was superb. Even bought a Capri and joined the Lewis Collins Fan Club!! One of my favourite films is Who Dares Wins. Am having a beer now listening to my Professionals Soundtrack....am 16 again! God Bless Lewis.
To the many people of my generation Lewis Collins will always be rememberd as one of the greatest actors the world has seen, his portrayal as William Bodie was just ground breaking and so well cast. In my youth I aspired to be the character which is just the testimony to how inspiring and powerful a character Lewis played. Lewis would have made the best 007, he was years ahead in his approached ( many years later only Daniel Craig comes close to what would have been the standard of 007 Lewis would have been ) My thoughts are with the Collins family ,and although i never met Lewis I feel and like many people across the world we lost a good friend. RIP Lewis Collins
Very sad news. What a wonderful cheeky sense of humour Lewis had. He would have made a perfect Bond. I wish I'd seen more of him but he made enough of an impact in The Professionals that I'll never forget him. Thanks for the pleasure you gave me back in those days. Stuart.
Sunday nights 9pm action
In 1977, aged 14, Bodie, Doyle and Cowley became a part of my childhood. In 2013, aged now 50, they are still amongst the 'must see' on TV/DVD. My 11-year old loves it. Quite simply, Lewis was one of the most important actors over the past 50 years. Love to the Collins family. R.I.P. Lewis.
RIP Lewis loved the professionals watched it with my dad, xx
A part of my youth, I was allowed to stay up and watch The Professionals if I'd behaved myself... and the bribe usually worked! Genuinely saddened to hear this today, my thoughts go out to all Lewis's family & friends.
RIP Lewis
Mike B - Solihull, West Mids
I simply want to thank you for my action filled childhood watching you. A wonderful man in great shows.
RICO Gusman. Uk
Always sad when someone you grew up watching passes on, rest now
A great loss,childhood memories stayin up to see Lewis In his Capri, a delight.Who Dares Wins ,best film ever. he died to young.An icon..
Stewart.
Thoughts from Bolton England to Lewis's family and friends. The world has lost one true male role model and will be the the number 1 Bond that should have been. God Bless.
The professionals was a big part of my childhood and Lewis along with Martin Shaw and Gordon Jackson created one of the iconic british programs of the late 70's and early 80's it is a big loss to the acting world.Thanks Lewis you will alway's be a legend in my household and my deepest condolences and thoughts are with your family at this sad time so good night good bless and rest in peace to a true gentleman and legend
Stuart Gill - Barnsley
I grew up watching him on the Professionals and thought he was a great actor - great shame - very sad news J Griffiths
I had the pleasure of meeting Lewis at a charity film showing in Gerard's Cross, Bucks, UK. Lewis, May you resist in peace and sincere condolences to your family. Ian, Buckinghamshire, UK.
God bless you Lewis.
You formed an integral part of my childhood and watching your character of Bodie on The Professionals not only gave me so much enjoyment, but also inspired me in later life. I was motivated to emulate your on screen persona and personal commitment to the Military, which encouraged me to successfully pursued my dream in my early 20's to pass selection for 23 SAS (V) in which I served for six years.
My deepest condolences to your family.
A true Gentleman who will be sadly missed.
Steve
Like many from my generation I grew uo watching the professionals sneakily on a sunday night at nine pm on ITV. I saw Lewis in panto at Southsea in "babes in the wood" he was the woodcutter and he came through the main auditorium right past me. (I had a
teenage crush)
You were missed from our screens Lewis. Join Gordon and start over again on "the other side".
Rest In Peace.
A great actor who should have been James Bond.So sad to hear of his passing. RIP
One of my fondest memories of a child was watching Lewis Collins in the Professionals with my Dad, he was my favourite actor and now my Son has been watching the old series with me over the last few years which he has very much enjoyed. Our favourite film was Who Dares Wins. I was very shocked to hear the very sad news this morning and he would have been a great man to meet. My condolences and thoughts to his family. R.I.P
Lee and Harry from Waterlooville Portsmouth England.
Truly a great loss, you top man and Legend, you were great in all that I have seen you in especially 'Bodie' Agent 3.7. in the Professionals. Wish they made you a Bond, you would of been Perfect, such looks and talent should've been taken advantage of. I feel now a void within me which can never be filled. Rest in peace Lewis, you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.
Joe, 27, North Somerset, UK
so sorry to hear of your passing I still watch the professionals on British tv you were a great actor and had a great zest for life. Jacky from UK
Can't believe it. This morning I saw that The Professionals was on and realised it was one of my favourite episodes, and it was only after I'd finished watching it that I heard the news. It feels like a death in the family, I've been a fan since I was 11 years old back in 1981. Condolences to his family and friends.
My thoughts are with the family of the great Lewis. He was one in a million and I have been a fan of his since I was a teenager. I genuinely hope you will cope through this trying time and find solace in the fact that he was admired by perfect strangers. My best to you all. Damien Slattery
I am glad you decided to be an actor Lewis, goodnight 37
I was a big fan of "Die Profis", as it was called in Germany. My friens and I always enjoyed playing the roles of the CI5-Team in our childhood.
I met Lewis Collins at the cinema in Germany in 1982. It was the opening of his film "Das Kommando" and I will never forget. God bless him. My thoughts are with his family to stand this hard time. Anke from Germany
My family (both young and old) was so saddened by the news today. Our thoughts are with the Collins family and friends at this difficult time. David from Kettering, UK.
My family (both young and old) was so saddened by the news today. Our thoughts are with the Collins family and friends at this difficult time.
David from Kettering, UK.
So sad to hear that Lewis has passed away.But I get great joy when I watch old episodes of The Professionals - He was a true star and was a huge part of my youth.RIP
So very very sad, Rest in Peace, condolences to his wife & family x
God bless x the greatest bond that never was x the twinkle in your will be remembered forever xxx
My brother Mark and I grew up on the Professionals, it was compulsive viewing each week and much talked about at school, both Lewis and Martin Shaw superbly cast. RIP and your memory will go on. Paul, Wiltshire, UK
SAD NEWS, LOST FOR WORDS, A GREAT MAN, MY BEST WISHES, TO HIS FAMILY, REST IN PEACE, ANDY, YORK.
Loved watching the Professionals when younger. Lewis as Bodie was my favourite because of the twinkle in his eyes and his cheeky grin. A great actor Very sad news indeed R.I.P.
Chris H
My hero when I was a teenager, I loved the professionals so much I still record and watch them today. Lewis would have made a great James Bond.
R.I.P. Mr Collins.
R.I.P Lewis, my thought and prayers are with his family xxx UK
Sorry to hear the news of a much respected man and actor. Thoughts and Prayer with hid family and friends
Such sad news! I met him many years ago kept in contact until he was married & moved to Los Angeles. He was a true gentleman & will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his wife Michelle, & his sons. RIP Lew. xxx
Lew you would have made a superb Bond, the franchise missed a great opportunity. RIP.
So shocked to read you have passed over and left this earth. You have stayed with me since my teenage years 43yrs ago, when I longed to meet you. You had that magic & talent, a beautiful person inside and out. Sending sincere thoughts to your family at this sad time. Susie, Hampshire UK.
RIP Lewis. Forever William Andrew Philip Bodie and forever in our thoughts.