LAMAMIMET

Jack Shepherd (29 October 1940 – 24 November 2025) was born in Leeds and studied fine art at Kings College, Durham University before training at the Central School of Speech and Drama and the Drama Centre London. He began his stage career at the Royal Court Theatre in the mid‑1960s and quickly earned critical acclaim.

Shepherd became a prominent television actor in the 1970s, appearing in series such as Bill Brand and Budgie, and earned Royal Television Society awards for his performances. He achieved his greatest fame as the lead detective in the ITV drama Wycliffe (1993–1998), a role that cemented his status as a household name. He also appeared in films including All Neat in Black Stockings, Wonderland and The Golden Compass, and won the 1983 Society of London Theatre Award for Actor of the Year in a New Play for Glengarry Glen Ross.

In addition to acting, Shepherd wrote plays, directed theatre productions, and co‑founded the Actors' Company with Ian McKellen. He remained active in theatre and television into his later years. Shepherd died on 24 November 2025 at the age of 85, leaving a legacy of versatile performances across stage and screen.