The Demon Headmaster star Terrence Hardiman dead at 86

Terrence Hardiman, star of CBBC’s The Demon Headmaster, has died at the age of 86, his agent has confirmed.

Hardiman’s agents Scott Marshall Partners announced the news “with great sadness”, adding that Hardiman was a “beloved client and much-loved stage and screen actor.”

Hardiman will perhaps best be remembered for his titular role in The Demon Headmaster, which ran on CBBC from January 1996 to January 1998. Based on Gillian Cross’ book series of the same name, The Demon Headmaster followed the character of Dinah Glass who joins a new school after moving in with her new foster family. Dinah soon discovers that there’s something rather strange going on at the school - with Hardiman’s spooky headmaster positively terrifying an entire generation of children with his hypnotic eyes.

The Demon Headmaster was rebooted in 2019, with Hardiman briefly reprising his role. The actor has many credits to his name. He also appeared in The Bill, Prime Suspect, Gandhi, The Worst Witch, Doctors, and Doctor Who. Hardiman also had a prolific stage career, touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company - notably performing the role of Starveling in Peter Brook’s 1970 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Hardiman is survived by his wife, Rowena, and their two children.

GAMINGbible extends its condolences to Hardiman’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.