David Daker, a British character actor known for his extensive television work and his role as Harry Crawford in the ITV series *Boon*, has died at age 90. Born Colin David Daker on September 29, 1935, in Bilston, Black Country, he passed away on April 30, 2026.

Daker’s career spanned several decades and included numerous appearances in television dramas and comedies. He was frequently cast as tough, often villainous characters, earning recognition for his commanding presence and distinctive features. Among his notable early roles was Jarvis in the final episode of *Porridge* (1977), where his character jeopardizes Godber’s parole by provoking a fight. He also gained attention for his portrayal of the corrupt Captain Spiker in the period drama *Dick Turpin* (1979–82) and as Rudolf Hoess, the commandant of Auschwitz, in the miniseries *Holocaust* (1978).

Between 1981 and 1985, Daker appeared in *Coronation Street* as Gordon Lewis, a strict relief manager at the Rovers Return who made life difficult for longstanding characters such as Bet Lynch and Betty Turpin. His role drew strong reactions from viewers, some of whom sent vitriolic letters over his character’s behavior.

Daker’s most enduring and popular role was as Harry Crawford in *Boon*, a comedy-drama that aired from 1986 to 1995. He played a hapless entrepreneur who frequently found himself in trouble, rescued by his friend Ken Boon, portrayed by Michael Elphick. Daker appeared in all 93 episodes of the series. The on-screen partnership between Harry and Boon was widely regarded as comparable in popularity and appeal to other iconic British television duos.

Before his television success, Daker trained at the Oxford Playhouse Theatre School after initially working as a draughtsman. His early stage work included a role with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the original production of Peter Nichols’s *Privates on Parade* (1977). On television, he appeared in series such as *Z Cars*, *Hallelujah!*, *Only Fools and Horses*, *Minder*, and *Midsomer Murders*, as well as two *Doctor Who* serials in the 1970s. His film credits include *O Lucky Man!*, *Aces High*, *Voyage of the Damned*, and *Time Bandits*.

Daker was known to have struggled with alcoholism during his life, and he faced personal tragedy when his daughter died from multiple sclerosis in 1997. The following year, he was convicted of assault following a dispute with a neighbor but received a conditional discharge.

He is survived by his second wife, Hilary Voisey, their daughter, and a son from a previous marriage.