Donald Douglas, renowned for his role in Bridget Jones, has passed away at the age of 92 following a brief illness.

The esteemed actor was in the hospital at the time of his passing last week, with family and friends by his side.

An online notice from a funeral home has confirmed his death.

The notice states, “Dear family and friends, it is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Douglas on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Albi.”

Having moved to France later in his life, Donald leaves behind his wife, Emma Temple, their daughters Amy, Liza, and Jodie, as well as five grandchildren.

He was beloved for his role in Bridget Jones, where he played Admiral Darcy – actor Colin Firth’s on-screen father. 

Bridget Jones actor Donald Douglas has died aged 92 after a short illness

The legendary star was in hospital when he passed away last week, surrounded by family and friends (pictured in 1968)

He also held roles in hit programmes Doctor Who and Poldark, where he played Captain Malcolm McNeil.

Donald, who was born in 1933 in Falkirk, Scotland, had studied at Edinburgh College of Art, before joining Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. 

His breakthrough into television as an actor came when he landed roles in Walter Scott novels Redgauntlet and Rob Roy. 

During his long-lasting career on screen, Donald appeared in BBC soap EastEnders, playing the role of Hugh Aitken.

It was a brief appearance, starring in just a handful of episodes in April 1995.

Following news of his death, tributes have started flooding in, with Douglas’ close friend Meredith Wheeler leading them.

She emotionally penned: ‘Donald was talented in so many ways apart from acting and performing.

‘A playful and gifted artist, he worked with all kinds of media, from sculpture to paint. He was an expert in ceramic restoration. 

Donald is survived by his wife Emma Temple, their children Amy, Liza and Jodie, and five grandchildren (pictured in 1992)

Donald was adored for his role in Bridget Jones, where he played Admiral Darcy – actor Colin Firth’s on-screen father (pictured in character for Bridget Jones’s Diary in 2001)

The beloved actor also starred in Doctor Who in the 1970s, playing Vural (pictured in character)

‘He laid a beautiful table and was a fabulous cook. It was a joy to attend a meal at his beautiful home with his partner, Emma Temple.

‘He was a great equestrian along with Emma and loved his dogs. His gardening was stunning as the montage illustrates.

‘He had an impish sense of humour and a generous heart.’

Actor Toby Hadoke also paid tribute to Douglas, sharing with his followers: ‘What an actor. Always brought a bit of heft and a touch of class to his roles which is I guess why his CV brimmed with illustrious fare.

‘He was terrific in Poldark, his Vural in Doctor Who’s The Sontaran Experiment was much more rounded and believable than he would have been in lesser hands…

‘…and he was Colin Firth’s dad in Bridget Jones for goodness’ sake.’

After relocating to France, Donald continued acting beyond his on-screen career in theatrical productions.

His final acting credit is believed to be 2021 drama Nobody Has To Know, where he starred alongside Michelle Fairley and Bouli Lanners.