David Burke, the English actor known for his roles in “Sherlock Holmes,” “Reilly, Ace of Spies” and “The Love School,” died on May 14, 2026, aged 91.
Born in Liverpool on May 25, 1934, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and worked as an actor from 1963 to 2018. He was known for playing Dr.
John Watson in Granada Television’s 1980s “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” starring Jeremy Brett as Holmes. Burke also portrayed Joseph Stalin in the final two episodes of “Reilly, Ace of Spies.” In theatre, he originated the role of Niels Bohr in Michael Frayn’s “Copenhagen” in 1998.
David Burke, 91, English actor (Sherlock Holmes, Reilly, Ace of Spies, The Love School). (death announced on this date)