The voice of 'Wallace and Gromit' Peter Sallis has passed away, aged 96

The creator of Wallace and Gromit has paid tribute to Peter Sallis following the actor's death aged 96.

Nick Park said it had been a privilege to work with the star adding that "he was my first and only choice to play Gromit", the Daily Mail reports.  

Sallis, who also starred in Last of the Summer Wine, passed away at the Denville Hall retirement home for actors in Northwood, north west London, on Friday.

In a statement his agency, Jonathan Altaras Associates, said: "It is with sadness that we announce that our client Peter Sallis died peacefully, with his family by his side."

Mr Park, whose Wallace and Gromit films The Wrong Trousers (1993) and A Close Shave (1995) were both Oscar winners, said: "I'm so sad, but feel so grateful and privileged to have known and worked with Peter over so many years. 

"He was always my first and only choice for Wallace.  

"He brought his unique gift and humour to all that he did, and encapsulated the very British art of the droll and understated.

"Working with Peter was always a delight and I will miss his wry, unpredictable humour and silliness - that started the moment he greeted you at the door, and didn't stop when the mic was switched off."

The animated films made Sallis's voice known around the world and the actor was delighted to have such success late in life.

He said: "It is pleasing knowing millions are going to see your work and enjoy it.

"To still be involved in a project like this at my age is heart-warming.

"To have a legacy like this is very comforting. I am very lucky to have been involved."

This article was first published on Daily Mail and is republished here with permission.