Gerald Harper: A legacy of laughter & drama as an acclaimed BBC actor

Gerald Harper, who dated Coupling’s Sarah Alexander, died at age 96.

Gerald is a household name among the British television viewers, for starring as the lead role in the adventure drama Adam Adamant Lives!

Following his TV stint, he returned to his main love in the theatre.

Harper’s body of work includes Playing on Broadway with the Old Vic Company and Playing lago at the Bristol Old Vic and Benedick at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Gerald Career at a glance

The British drama actor rose to fame starring in the BBC drama Adam Adamant Lives!

Gerald forged highly acclaimed career on the stage, featuring in various West End shows, including Crucifer of Blood and A Personal Affair at the Haymarket.

He also got to host a series of Saturday afternoon shows for BBC Radio 2 in the early 1990s, where he used to play classic songs from the past and gave away bottles of champagne and chocolates.

The Famous Affair of 90s

The star will also be remembered for his relationship with Coupling and Green Wing star Sarah Alexander.

Sarah, 54, was only 25, when she was first spotted dating Gerald Harper, in 1996.

At that time, Sarah was at the height of her own fame, as she was a regular sitcom Coupling.

Friends said, Harper was “absolutely bereft” when Sarah left him for Amandaland star, Peter Serafinowicz, in 2002.

Before his relationship with Sarah, Gerald was married to Carla Rabaiotti, a former Pan American air stewardess.

The couple got divorced in 1983 and share a son. Harper was earlier married to actress Jane Downs from 1957 until they parted their ways in 1975. They share a daughter.

Related: Gerald Harper, star of ‘Hadleigh,’ dies after life out of spotlight