Crossroads Star leaves £800,000

John Bentley had a career in Hollywood and British films before becoming a television name thanks to ITV.

Former Crossroads actor John Bentley, who died in August aged 92, has left over £800,000 in his will. His widow, Patsy, also has an offer for many of his wide-spread fans exclusively for ATV Today readers.

John, who reached viewers of up to 18 million in the cult daytime soap opera Crossroads, produced by ATV from 1964 to 1981, left £819,930 in his will. From episode 86 in 1965 through to 1977 actor John Bentley became a housewives favourite as Crossroads’ Hugh Mortimer. He also helped the soap reach some of its biggest ratings in 1975 when he married Meg Richardson, the matriarch of the Crossroads Motel since episode one in 1964. John also had a successful movie, theatre and television career outside of soap which included his own series, African Patrol.

In Crossroads, as businessman Hugh Mortimer, he became the lead male opposite, as Terry Lloyd – reporting for ITN on her death commented, ‘The Queen of British Soaps‘ Noele Gordon. Noele as Meg had won every soap award possible in her reign as the owner of a small motel in the fictional Midland village of Kings Oak. With her popularity, John’s increased too.

Outside of the soap opera world he had a long and varied career. From acting in movies alongside many of the stars of the day to heading the cast in the police drama African Patrol back in the 1950s.

He also had a successful film and TV career in the USA, including a spell in Hollywood. In the 1950s as well as being a busy actor, notably in the Paul Temple films, of which he was the lead character, he began featuring on ATV programming. He made numerous appearances on the popular daytime live chat show, Lunch Box, where he was one of the guest singers. This show just happened to be produced by Reg Watson; who later went on to create Crossroads and was hosted by Midland icon, Noele Gordon.

After soap, John worked mainly in theatre, and had small movie roles. Arthritis forced him to retire in the early 1990s and he later developed prostate cancer. His will left his entire estate to his second wife, Patricia, his partner for 50 years. He had a son, Roger, from his first marriage.

John’s widow, Patrica has kindly offered to send out John’s Order of Service from his funeral, which includes information and a colour photograph of the smooth actor. Patsy and the Crossroads Appreciation Society received many letters from around the UK and, indeed, world. Knowing so many were unable to attend the service Patsy hopes this is one way of giving something back to his fans.

You can obtain the Order of Service by sending a SAE to Mrs Bentley. For more details please email us here [Link Removed]