Norman Eshley, best known for his role as Jeffrey Fourmile in the beloved sitcom George and Mildred, has died at the age of 80. The accomplished actor passed away on 2 August at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital with his wife, Rachel Eshley, by his side. Remembered as a "warm, kind and grounded man," Norman's death followed a period living with cancer. His agent, Thomas Bowington, remarked on Norman’s welcoming nature and distinctive voice, highlighting the personal loss felt not only by family but by those who knew him professionally.

Eshley was born in Bristol on 30 May 1945 and began his journey in the arts at Bristol Grammar School, later training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Early in his career, he built a solid foundation performing in Shakespearean productions, establishing his reputation in classic theatre before moving into the West End. His transition to screen came with roles in significant productions such as Orson Welles’s 1968 drama The Immortal Story. He was also seen in TV series like Canterbury Tales and Warship, demonstrating a versatile presence across genres.

Norman’s most enduring legacy remains his work on George and Mildred, where he portrayed the priggish and sometimes comically snobbish neighbour, Jeffrey Fourmile, opposite Brian Murphy and Yootha Joyce. The show became a staple of British television in the late 1970s, and Norman's nuanced comedic timing helped cement the sitcom's status. Fans also recall his earlier appearances in Man About The House, a forerunner to George and Mildred, where he played different characters, showcasing his range as a performer and his familiarity to British audiences.

Beyond acting, Eshley was a writer, co-authoring The Dreamtime of the Artful Dodger, a sequel to Dickens’s Oliver Twist that imagined the character’s life after transportation to Australia. His personal life included three marriages, with his widow Rachel expressing deep gratitude for their shared years: “He was my husband and best friend and my heart will always be with him.” Tributes from fans and colleagues alike poured in following news of his passing, remembering him not just for his talent, but for the kindness and warmth that marked his character on and off the screen.