Patrick Macnee

Bowler hat “Avengers” star dies

British actor Patrick Macnee, John Steed the 1961-69 “The Avengers” TV spy series, died at his home in California's Rancho Mirage at the age of 93.

He’s the lucky dude who had Dame Diana Rigg as his right-hand woman. And, for variety, Honor Blackman and Linda Thorson, who said: "He was the best-dressed man on television and a nudist in real life." Jolly good fun, Patrick!

At the age of 11, he acted in Henry V opposite a young Sir Christopher Lee. He first appeared in the West End while still in his teens.

Macnee returned when that series was reprised as “The New Avengers” in the 1970s.

He also appeared in the 1985 James Bond film “A View to a Kill,” playing an ally of Roger Moore's Bond character.

Macnee had a top 10 hit in 1990, with “Kinky Boots” -- a novelty song recorded with Avengers co-star Honor Blackman.

He said of “The Avengers”: “It started really bad and then it really developed.”

He was married three times, including to actress Katherine Woodville, with whom he acted in “The Avengers.”  Macnee became a U.S. citizen in 1959.