One of the nation's favourite crime series in the 1970s was Van der Valk, which followed Dutch detective Simon "Piet" van der Valk. The ITV classic ran for five seasons, which aired between 1971 and 1992.
Taking the lead role was Barry Foster, who effortlessly brought to life the character, famed for his rule-breaking and world-weariness. While some characters came and went, Barry was the constant presence, being the only star to appear in every episode and series of the show.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesCareer
Barry made his acting debut in 1956, appearing in uncredited roles in The Baby and the Battleship and The Battle of the River Plate. He followed this up with appearances in King and Country, Inspector Clouseau, Sweeney!, The Three Hostages and Maurice.
However, the pinnacle of his film career came in 1972 when he took on the role of Bob Rusk in the Alfred Hitchcock film, Frenzy.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesPersonal life
One year before he made his professional debut, Barry married Judith Shergold, a West End singer. The couple welcomed three children, Joanna, Miranda and Jason, with both of their daughters following their father into acting. However, the couple's son, Jason, has lived a life out of the spotlight.
Barry and Judith remained together until Barry sadly passed away at the age of 74 following a heart attack. The actor had remained active in his final days and was appearing in the West End show Art when he was admitted to hospital after feeling ill. He sadly died on 11 February 2002, three days after entering hospital.
© Alamy Stock PhotoJoanna Foster
Barry and Judith's eldest daughter, Joanna, has followed in the family business, becoming a huge star on the West End. She has had roles in The Philanthropist, The Snow Queen and A Midsummer Night's Dream, playing the role of Hermia in the latter.
However, Joanna has also had an incredible TV career, appearing in the likes of Testament of Youth, Casualty, Family Affairs and Coronation Street. In the latter show, Joanna was the final actress to play the iconic Susan Barlow, with the actress playing the character when she was brutally killed off in a car accident.
While Joanna has rarely spoken about her father, when landed her role in Casualty, she described him as "very supportive".
© Dave Benett/Getty ImagesMiranda Foster
Barry and Judith's second daughter, Miranda, also became a stage actress, appearing in the likes of Romeo and Juliet, The Deep Blue Sea, The Country Wife and Strangers on a Train.
Like Joanna, Miranda also has extensive TV credits, appearing in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sharman, The Bill and Footprints.
In a bio on the British Council, Miranda revealed that while both of her parents "discouraged her from following in their footsteps" she was still "bitten by the performance bug".
