Julian Holloway, the esteemed British actor best recognised for his roles in the iconic Carry On film series and the Star Wars universe, has made final arrangements that reveal intimate family details alongside a substantial legacy. The details of his will were recently made public, outlining the distribution of his nearly half a million pound estate amongst close family members.
Holloway, who died in February at the age of 80, enjoyed a career that spanned several decades and genres. Well-known for his comic timing and versatility, he became a familiar face in British comedy, starring in eight Carry On films such as Carry On Doctor, Carry On Camping, and Carry On Up the Khyber. Beyond his film work, he was also a distinguished voice-over artist and appeared in popular television shows including Doctor Who, The Sweeney, Minder, Z Cars, and The Professionals.
At the time of his death, Holloway resided in Poole, Dorset. His estate was valued at just under £500,000, with probate records showing a total of £493,917 before liabilities, ultimately leaving a sum of £480,891. As is common with individuals who have led such diverse and public careers, curiosity around the contents of his will has been significant.
The late actor’s will specifies that £25,000 was to be bequeathed to his daughter, acclaimed model and author Sophie Dahl—his child with Tessa Dahl, herself the daughter of legendary children’s author Roald Dahl. The same sum was also left to his stepdaughter, Kate Gregory. The majority of the estate, however, passed to his stepson Joel Gregory, who was also named as the executor of the will. Holloway further left clear instructions regarding his ashes, expressing a wish for them to be scattered at Lord’s Cricket Ground, an iconic London sports venue, or at Sudbrooke Park Golf Club in Surrey.
Family, friends, and fellow performers have been paying tribute to Holloway’s wit and warmth. Actress Sarah Douglas, reflecting on their decades-long friendship, described him as “the wittiest of men,” recalling the laughter and camaraderie they shared since meeting in the early 1970s. Douglas highlighted not only his professional talents but the deeply personal nature of his friendship, shared first in London, then Los Angeles, and later back in the UK. She recounted their collaboration on the 1973 BBC drama “Secrets” as well as his role as associate producer in the 1977 film The Brute.
Born in Watlington, Oxfordshire, in 1944, Holloway came from established acting pedigree. His father, Stanley Holloway, was a well-known actor and singer, and his mother, Violet, was an actress. Julian Holloway himself married twice—first to actress Zena Walker, then later to actress Debbie Wheeler—though public records focus primarily on his professional achievements and his relationships with his children and stepchildren.
Throughout his expansive career, Holloway diversified his talents beyond live-action roles. He lent his voice to significant projects, including voicing Prime Minister Almec in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. His credits extended to popular video games such as Medal of Honor and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, cementing his influence on both screen and sound.
While Holloway’s passing marks the end of a notable era in British entertainment, his legacy remains evident not just through his work but in the thoughtful distribution of his estate—a testament to the relationships and commitments that shaped his life. The carefully considered terms of his will suggest a man mindful of both heritage and personal connections, ensuring those dearest to him are remembered.
His contributions to film, television, and voice acting have left an indelible impression, celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. As the industry looks back on his achievements, Holloway’s memory endures, cherished not only for his talents but also for his generosity and enduring friendships.