BBC icon died penniless despite 50-year career after wife 'had to sell engagement ring'

TV legend Warren Clarke passed away without a penny to his name despite a 50-year career in entertainment, BBC legend Clarke, who passed away at 67 in 2014 drollowing a brief illness, had an initial gross estate worth £13,056. After handling his financial commitments, this sum dwindled down to nothing. The seasoned actor had wisely drafted a will designating his estate to his wife Michele, and in the event of her predeceasing him, it was intended for his children Georgia and son Rowan to inherit.

Clarke gained fame through his lead role in TV series Dalziel and Pascoe and also featured in shows like Poldark and the iconic film A Clockwork Orange. He had previously voiced concerns about his earnings, contemplating a career switch because he felt underpaid. Clarke shared a telling anecdote: "In those days the BBC didn't pay you until you had done the first studio recording, so I had been working on the show for two months without any money."

Recalling a stark memory, Clarke said: "I went to the cashpoint, put my card in the machine and it spat it out."

His financial troubles came to light when he noticed something amiss with his wife's jewellery: "A few months later, I noticed that my wife wasn't wearing her engagement ring."

Pursuing further, he discovered the heart-wrenching truth: "I asked her where it was and she explained it was being repaired."

The devastating reality hit when he learnt she had parted with the ring to settle bills.

Clarke's television debut was made back in 1965 on Coronation Street, but he truly made his mark with the role of the menacing Dim in 1971's controversial masterpiece, A Clockwork Orange, starring opposite Malcolm McDowell.

His final television appearance poignantly depicted Charles Poldark on his deathbed in the acclaimed BBC period drama series, which aired posthumously.

The married father of two was most famously recognised for his role in Dalziel And Pascoe.

The BBC1 drama saw him star as Det Supt Andy Dalziel alongside Colin Buchanan's Det Insp Peter Pascoe, with the show enjoying a successful run of 12 series from 1996 to 2007.

His exextensive acting career included roles in other TV productions such as The Avengers, Lovejoy, and Bleak House.

On stage, he portrayed Winston Churchill in Three Days In May and appeared opposite Clint Eastwood as a Russian dissident in the 1982 thriller Firefox.