British actor Trevor A. Toussaint, known for his role as Walter Deveraux on the UK soap opera “Hollyoaks,” has passed away at the age of 65, according to his management.
His demise was announced on Instagram on Jan. 11, 2026, by Advocate Agency, his management team. They released a statement acknowledging the sad event.
The statement said: “It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A. Toussaint. His family wishes 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, and friend.”
Toussaint starred in 147 episodes of “Hollyoaks” from 2018 to 2022, emerging as a key figure in the long-standing drama. Walter Deveraux first appeared on December 31, 2018, and made his final appearance in November 2022. His character, Walter Deveraux, belonged to the first Black family featured on the show, marking a significant step for representation in British soap opera history on the Channel 4 series.
Kéllé Bryan, who played Toussaint’s on-screen daughter Martine Deveraux, led the tributes to the late actor. She disclosed that she had represented him as his agent for two decades, sharing a personal and professional bond with Toussaint that extended beyond their on-screen collaboration.
Bryan deemed their work on “Hollyoaks” as especially meaningful, highlighting the importance of being part of the soap’s inaugural Black family.
Bryan shed light on Toussaint’s pioneering journey in an industry that posed significant obstacles for Black actors. She pointed out that he started his acting career in the 1970s, a period when Black actors were mostly cast as criminals, restricting the scope of roles for performers of color.
Bryan shared that he once turned down a high-paying role rather than cut his long hair, demonstrating his commitment to challenging industry standards and combating stereotypes that had long limited Black actors. She said that he broke numerous barriers and paved the way for others, underlining the enduring influence of Toussaint’s career decisions on the entertainment industry.
Richard Blackwood, who played Felix Westwood on “Hollyoaks,” reminisced about working with Toussaint. Blackwood’s first scene on the show was with Toussaint, an experience that laid the foundation for their ongoing camaraderie both on and off the set.
Tributes also flowed in from other present and past “Hollyoaks” cast members. Nikki Sanderson, who portrays Maxine Minniver, recalled Toussaint’s kindness and authenticity. Jessica Fox, who plays Nancy Osborne, commented on Bryan’s Instagram post, describing Toussaint as a gentleman whose life stories enraptured those around him.
Rachel Adedeji, who enacted Lisa Loveday, expressed her sorrow over the news. Rishi Nair, recognized for his work on “Grantchester,” also offered his condolences. Ricky Norwood was among other industry figures who acknowledged the loss.
Toussaint’s character, Walter Deveraux, left “Hollyoaks” in 2022 when the character relocated to Jamaica, providing a serene end to his storyline. This departure followed a storyline featuring Walter dealing with kidney disease and dialysis, reflecting the show’s method of addressing serious health matters. His character was shown receiving assistance from Pearl Anderson, who offered to fly him to Jamaica.
Apart from “Hollyoaks,” Toussaint had a diverse career in British television. He portrayed Cedrik Verga in “Death in Paradise,” the popular detective series. His other notable roles were in “Dreaming Whilst Black” and “Sulphur and White,” showcasing his range as an actor across various genres and production styles.
The British television industry has long struggled with representation issues, making Toussaint’s contributions particularly noteworthy. His career spanned several decades during which the landscape for actors of color slowly transformed. By refusing to compromise his appearance or accept limiting stereotypes, Toussaint aided in pushing the industry towards greater inclusivity.
His resolve to maintain his appearance throughout his career became a form of activism, prompting casting directors and producers to look beyond narrow perceptions of how actors should appear. This stance required bravery in an industry where adherence to norms often seemed vital for success.
The introduction of the Deveraux family to “Hollyoaks” represented a conscious effort by Channel 4 to better portray the diversity of modern Britain. 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.
With Bryan serving both as Toussaint’s on-screen daughter and his agent, a unique professional relationship was formed. Her long tenure representing him provided insight into his career philosophy and the choices that shaped his path in the entertainment industry. This perspective informed her tribute, which highlighted his role as a pioneer who prioritized authenticity over convenience.
The wave of tributes from colleagues across the British television industry reflected the impact Toussaint had on those he worked with. His approach to his craft and his readiness to mentor younger actors left a lasting impression on multiple generations of performers.