Alf Garnett actor Warren Mitchell dies aged 89

  • London
Mitchell in the guise of Alf Garnett at West Ham United's Upton Park in 1968. Credit: PA.

The actor Warren Mitchell, best known for playing Alf Garnett in BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part, has died aged 89, his family said.

The actor's great nephew Jerry Barnett paid tribute to "the last of his generation" and a "wonderful and funny man".

Comedian Ricky Gervais tweeted that Alf Garnett was one of the most "influential" characters in comedy history.

Mitchell's portrayal of Garnett, the outspoken, bigoted and dockyard worker, first hit the small screen in 1965.

The character soon became legendary with his often controversial observations on evolving British life and catchphrases such as "it stands to reason".

The series, which also starred Spike Milligan and Una Stubbs, ran until 1975.

Mitchell also went on to win two Olivier Awards for his roles in Death of a Salesman in 1979, and The Price in 2004.