Trevor A. Toussaint, the beloved actor who portrayed Walter Deveraux on the Channel 4 soap opera “Hollyoaks,” died at age 65, his management confirmed.
His death was confirmed on Instagram on January 11, 2026. Advocate Agency, the actor’s management team, released a statement addressing the loss.
The statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A. Toussaint. His family wish to thank you for your well wishes and support as they take this time to privately come to terms with their great loss of an enigmatic loving father husband grandfather uncle friend.”
Toussaint appeared in 147 episodes of “Hollyoaks” from 2018 to 2022, establishing himself as a central figure in the long-running drama. His character, Walter Deveraux, was part of the first Black family introduced to the show, a milestone in British soap opera history that expanded representation on the Channel 4 series.
Kéllé Bryan, who portrayed Toussaint’s on-screen daughter Martine Deveraux, led tributes to the late actor. Bryan revealed that she served as his agent for 20 years, maintaining both a professional and personal connection with Toussaint that extended far beyond their work together on screen.
Bryan described their collaboration on “Hollyoaks” as particularly meaningful, noting the significance of being part of the show’s first Black family.
Bryan highlighted Toussaint’s pioneering journey in an industry that presented significant challenges for Black actors. She noted that he started acting in the 1970s, a time when Black actors were predominantly cast as criminals, limiting the range of roles available to performers of color.
Toussaint wore waist-length dreadlocks for over 10 years, refusing to conform to industry pressures. Bryan revealed that he once refused to cut his hair for a lucrative role, choosing personal integrity over financial gain. This decision exemplified his commitment to challenging industry norms and fighting against stereotypes that had long constrained Black actors.
Bryan stated that he broke many boundaries and made a pathway for others, emphasizing the lasting impact of Toussaint’s career choices on the entertainment industry.
Richard Blackwood, who portrayed Felix Westwood on “Hollyoaks,” shared memories of working alongside Toussaint. Blackwood’s first scene on the show was with Toussaint, an experience that set the tone for their ongoing friendship both on and off camera.
Blackwood recalled that his very first scene was with T and he made him bring his A game, and they were friends from that day on and off screen.
Additional tributes poured in from current and former “Hollyoaks” cast members. Nikki Sanderson, who plays Maxine Minniver, remembered Toussaint’s kindness and genuine nature. Jessica Fox, who portrays Nancy Osborne, commented on Bryan’s Instagram post, describing Toussaint as a gentleman whose life stories fascinated those around him.
Rachel Adedeji, who played Lisa Loveday, expressed her grief over the news. Rishi Nair, known for his work on “Grantchester,” also offered condolences. Jacqui Boats and Ricky Norwood were among other industry figures who acknowledged the loss.
Toussaint’s character Walter Deveraux exited “Hollyoaks” in 2022 when the character moved to Jamaica, providing a peaceful conclusion to his storyline. The departure came after Walter had been featured in a kidney transplant storyline, reflecting the show’s approach to addressing serious health issues. His character was shown receiving support from Pearl Anderson, who offered to fly him to Jamaica.
Beyond “Hollyoaks,” Toussaint built a varied career across British television. He appeared as Cedrik Verga in “Death in Paradise,” the popular detective series. His other notable roles included appearances in “Dreaming Whilst Black” and “Sulphur and White,” demonstrating his range as a performer across different genres and production styles.
The British television industry has long grappled with representation issues, making Toussaint’s contributions particularly significant. His career spanned decades during which the landscape for actors of color gradually evolved. By refusing to compromise his appearance or accept limiting stereotypes, Toussaint helped push the industry toward greater inclusivity.
His decision to maintain his appearance throughout his career became a form of activism, challenging casting directors and producers to see beyond narrow definitions of how actors should look. This stance required courage in an industry where conformity often seemed necessary for success.
The role of Walter Deveraux allowed Toussaint to portray a complex, multi-dimensional character on a platform that reached millions of viewers. Soap operas, with their daily or weekly schedules and long-running storylines, provide opportunities for character development rarely available in other television formats. Walter’s journey on “Hollyoaks” included family drama, health crises, and interpersonal conflicts that showcased Toussaint’s acting abilities across a wide emotional spectrum.
The introduction of the Deveraux family to “Hollyoaks” represented a conscious effort by Channel 4 to better reflect modern Britain’s diversity. By centering storylines around the family, the show provided viewers with characters whose experiences resonated with audiences who had been underrepresented in mainstream British media.
Bryan’s dual role as both Toussaint’s on-screen daughter and his agent created a unique professional relationship. Her long tenure representing him provided insight into his career philosophy and the choices that defined his path through the entertainment industry. This perspective informed her tribute, which emphasized his role as a trailblazer who prioritized authenticity over convenience.
The outpouring of tributes from colleagues across the British television industry reflected Toussaint’s impact on those who worked with him. His approach to his craft and his willingness to mentor younger actors left a lasting impression on multiple generations of performers.
Sources:
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01/former-soap-opera-star-dies-at-65.html
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/trevor-toussaint-trailblazing-hollyoaks-actor-171643594.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15453691/Hollyoaks-star-Trevor-Toussaint-dies-aged-65-Actors-onscreen-daughter-Loose-Women-panellist-Kell-Bryan-leads-heartfelt-tributes.html
https://metro.co.uk/2026/01/11/hollyoaks-star-trevor-a-toussaint-dies-aged-65-26219142/
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/a69966426/hollyoaks-stars-pay-tribute-trevor-a-toussaint/
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/37876148/trevor-toussaint-dead-hollyoaks-daughter-tribute/
