The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor Steve Hodson, fondly remembered for his portrayal of Steve Ross, the horseman on the cherished 1970s children’s show Follyfoot. Hodson, who was also recognised for his role in BBC’s All Creatures Great and Small, has died at age 77.
News of his passing was announced through a touching post on a Follyfoot Facebook group by his daughter, Jessica, revealing: “Steve passed away last night after a long battle with COPD.”
The heartfelt homage continued with: “That’s one brighter star you’ll see in the heavens from now on.” The message also extended sympathies to Hodson’s loved ones, stating: “Much love to all his family at this awful time. So sad.”
Originally from Bradford, West Yorkshire, Hodson was the son of Rene (nee Heffernan) and Tom Hodson, a factory supervisor, and an alumnus of Belle Vue grammar school. Before achieving fame as an actor, he worked in the civil service, reports the Mirror.
Alongside his then-fiancée, Anita Carey, Hodson attended drama classes at Bradford Playhouse. Eventually, the couple moved to London to study at Central School of Speech and Drama from 1967 to 1970, where their relationship concluded.
It was also during this time that Hodson honed his equestrian skills in Wimbledon, south-west London, living with a family who managed stables.
Before securing his role in Follyfoot, he made his television debut as a hotel employee in a 1971 episode of Hine, which starred Barrie Ingham as an arms dealer. His early TV career also saw him feature in The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (1971), a Willis Hall-penned Play for Today, The Villa Maroc (1972), and Z Cars (1974).
He later appeared in minor roles in Hazell, Angels and A Horseman Riding By (all 1978), as well as Enemy at the Door (1980), All Creatures Great and Small (1980) and Juliet Bravo (two episodes, 1980 and 1985).
In addition to his television work, he was a regular voice on BBC radio, participating in numerous dramas, often in supporting roles. However, he did occasionally take the lead, starring as Chaucer in Canterbury Tales (1991), and playing Marius in a 16-part adaptation of Les Misérables (1976).
After voicing various characters in Waggoners’ Walk, he assumed the role of Rupert Lovell in the radio serial from 1977-1978. His stage career included portraying George in a 1998 tour of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He also directed fringe plays and taught acting at the Oxford School of Drama.