Alf Garnett star Warren Mitchell dies aged 89 - family say comedy actor was 'cracking jokes to the last'

Actor Warren Mitchell has died aged 89, his spokeswoman has announced today.

The comedy veteran, most famous for his role as Alf Garnett in BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part, passed away this morning.

Warren's great nephew, Jerry Barnett, revealed the news on Twitter, writing: "Just got the news my great uncle Warren Mitchell (aka Alf Garnett) died in the early hours of Saturday morning.

"The last of his generation, wonderful and funny man RIP."

A spokeswoman confirmed the news with a statement from the family, reading: "Sadly we can confirm Warren Mitchell died in the early hours of Saturday 14th November surrounded by his family.

"He has been in poor health for some time but was cracking jokes to the last."

As well as his starring role in the frequently controversial BBC sitcom, where he played outspoken dockyard worker Alf, Warren Mitchell was famous for his successful stage career.

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He won two Olivier Awards for his roles in Death of a Salesman in 1979, and again for his role in The Price in 2004.

As well as his stage awards, he also won a BAFTA award for Till Death Us Do Part and an AACTA Award for his role in Norman Loves Rose.

Mitchell married wife, fellow actress Constance M. Wake in 1951 and they went on to have three children, Rebecca, Daniel and Anna.

In 2004 while appearing in The Price, Mitchell suffered a mild stroke, but returned to the stage after just a week off.

He is survived by his wife and their three children.