The British acting community mourns the loss of Trevor A. Toussaint, best known for his role as Walter Deveraux in Channel 4’s soap opera Hollyoaks. Toussaint passed away at age 65.
Advocate Agency announced his death on Jan. 11, 2026. The cause of death was not disclosed. The agency’s Instagram post remembered the actor as a devoted family man and friend.
Toussaint’s memorable role as Walter Deveraux, a shopkeeper, spanned 147 episodes from 2018 to 2022. He was part of the first Black family to be featured on the show, and his deeply religious character left a significant impression on both viewers and fellow cast members.
Kéllé Bryan, who portrayed Toussaint’s on-screen daughter Martine Deveraux and also served as his agent for two decades, led the tributes. Bryan’s homage highlighted Toussaint’s pioneering career, which began in the 1970s, a time when Black actors were often typecast in criminal roles.
Toussaint, known for his waist-length dreadlocks, turned down a lucrative role rather than cut his distinctive hairstyle, demonstrating his dedication to authenticity. His four-decade-long career in the British entertainment industry paved the way for future Black actors.
Beyond Hollyoaks, Toussaint made notable appearances in the British TV series Death in Paradise as Cedrik Verga, and had roles in Dreaming Whilst Black and Sulphur and White.
Remembering Toussaint, Richard Blackwood, who played Toussaint’s on-screen son-in-law Felix Westwood, shared memories of their first scene. Nikki Sanderson, who played Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks, recalled Toussaint as a gentleman who took time to converse with everyone.
Jessica Fox, who plays Nancy Hayton on Hollyoaks, expressed her fascination with Toussaint’s life stories. Rachel Adedeji, who portrayed Lisa Loveday, Toussaint’s on-screen granddaughter, called the news heartbreaking. Rishi Nair and Ricky Norwood also paid tribute to Toussaint’s professionalism and warmth.
Hollyoaks also issued an official tribute, describing Toussaint as “a much-loved member of the Hollyoaks family” who portrayed Reverend Walter Deveraux with immense warmth, grace, and wisdom. The show noted he brought “a lifetime of experience to the role” and would be remembered for “bringing joy to the set and mentorship to younger cast and crew.”
The character of Walter Deveraux left Hollyoaks in 2022, moving to Jamaica with his daughter Simone, portrayed by Jacqueline Boatswain. The Deveraux family’s introduction was a significant development for Hollyoaks, bringing fresh narratives and perspectives to the soap opera.
Toussaint’s portrayal of Walter Deveraux, a character navigating complex family relationships, brought depth and authenticity to the role. Beyond Hollyoaks, Toussaint’s roles in Death in Paradise, Dreaming Whilst Black, and Sulphur and White displayed his versatility as an actor.