RACHEL HERBERT 1935-2025
The Unmutual Website is sad to learn that 'The Prisoner' and 'Danger Man' actress, Rachel Herbert, who so memorably played the part of Number 58, who later became Number 2, in the episode "Free for All" has passed away at the age of 90.
A fine stage and screen actress, she first worked with McGoohan on the 'Danger Man' episode 'Say it with Flowers' and was asked back by McGoohan for his later series. Whilst her lines were scripted, Herbert based Number 58's peculiar speech on a Slavic friend of hers to ensure authentic Eastern European-sounding vowel sounds.
She appeared in several other ITC series including 'Man in a Suitcase' and 'The Champions', as well as memorable appearances in dramas such as 'Lord Peter Wimsey', 'Crown Court', and 'Callan'.
A popular figure at TV-related events, including some appearances at 'Prisoner' events over the years, her last-known public appearance was at the launch event for Robert Fairclough's biography of Ian Carmichael in 2011. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. RIP.