Trevor A Toussaint, the actor best known for playing Walter Deveraux on the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, has died at age 65.
His death was confirmed on January 10, 2026, by Kéllé Bryan, who portrayed his on-screen daughter Martine Deveraux and served as his agent for 20 years. Bryan announced the news on Instagram, writing that Toussaint had “left such an imprint on my heart.”
A statement from Toussaint’s management team, Advocate Agency, 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 and friend.”
Toussaint appeared in 147 episodes of Hollyoaks from 2018 to 2022. His character was part of the first Black family on the long-running soap opera, a milestone in the show’s history. Walter Deveraux eventually left the series to move to Jamaica with his daughter Simone, played by Jacqueline Boatswain.
In her tribute, Bryan reflected on Toussaint’s pioneering career and his refusal to compromise his principles for commercial success. She noted that he started acting in the 1970s, a time when opportunities for Black performers in television and film were severely limited. Roles for Black actors during that era often reinforced negative stereotypes, relegating them to portrayals of criminals or other one-dimensional characters.
Toussaint wore waist-length dreadlocks with pride for over 10 years, fighting against stereotypes in an industry where such choices could limit opportunities. Bryan noted that he once refused to cut his hair for a lucrative role, demonstrating his commitment to authentic self-expression and cultural pride.
Following Bryan’s announcement, numerous Hollyoaks cast members shared tributes to their former colleague. Richard Blackwood, who played Felix Westwood and portrayed Toussaint’s on-screen son-in-law, recalled his first day working with the veteran actor.
Nikki Sanderson, who plays Maxine Minniver on the soap, remembered Toussaint as a lovely man who took time to talk with everyone he met, noting he was always kind with her.
Rachel Adedeji, who portrayed Toussaint’s on-screen granddaughter, called the news heartbreaking. Jessica Fox, who plays Nancy Osborne on Hollyoaks, commented that Toussaint was a gentleman and she was fascinated by the stories of his incredible life.
Beyond his work on Hollyoaks, Toussaint built a diverse career across television and film. He appeared in Death in Paradise, playing the character Cedrik Verga. His filmography also included roles in Dreaming Whilst Black and Sulphur and White, showcasing his range as a performer.
Bryan, who is also associated with the television program Loose Women, emphasized the personal and professional bond she shared with Toussaint. Their relationship extended beyond their on-screen father-daughter dynamic, with Bryan representing Toussaint through her management work for two decades. This dual connection gave her unique insight into both his artistic contributions and his character as a person.
The creation of the Deveraux family on Hollyoaks represented a significant step forward for representation in soap operas. The introduction of the show’s first Black family in 2018 came during a period of increased attention to representation in media.
Toussaint’s character Walter Deveraux served as a central figure in his fictional family, a role that allowed him to portray a fully realized character rather than a stereotype. His performance gave audiences the opportunity to see a Black father figure in a positive, multi-dimensional light on mainstream television.
The outpouring of tributes from cast members, colleagues, and fans following the announcement of his death reflects the impact Toussaint had on those who worked with him. The consistent themes in these remembrances—his kindness, his professionalism, and his willingness to mentor younger actors—paint a picture of someone who used his position to lift others up rather than simply advancing his own career.
Bryan concluded her tribute by extending her thoughts and prayers to Toussaint’s family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, during their time of grief.