Trevor A. Toussaint, best known for his role as Walter Deveraux on the British soap opera “Hollyoaks,” has died at age 65. His death was confirmed on Instagram by Kéllé Bryan, who played his on-screen daughter Martine Deveraux and also represented him as an agent for 20 years.
Bryan shared a heartfelt tribute to her former co-star and client, announcing his passing.
Toussaint’s management team, Advocate Agency, released a statement describing him as an enigmatic, loving father, husband, and grandfather. The statement read that his family wished to thank everyone for their well-wishes and support as they take time to privately come to terms with their great loss.
Toussaint appeared in 147 episodes of “Hollyoaks” from 2018 to 2022, portraying the deeply religious shopkeeper Walter Deveraux. His character was part of the show’s first Black family, a milestone in representation. Walter Deveraux left the series to move to Jamaica with his daughter Simone, played by Jacqueline Boatswain.
Bryan praised Toussaint as a trailblazer who broke boundaries throughout his decades-long career. She noted that Toussaint started acting in the 1970s, an era when he fought against stereotypes for Black actors despite the industry’s tendency toward limited typecasting.
A defining aspect of Toussaint’s professional identity was his commitment to authenticity. He wore waist-length dreadlocks for over 10 years, maintaining his hairstyle despite industry pressure to conform. In one notable instance, Toussaint refused to cut his hair for a lucrative role, demonstrating his unwillingness to compromise his principles for financial gain.
The actor’s commitment to challenging industry norms extended beyond his personal appearance. Throughout his career, Toussaint worked to expand opportunities for performers in television and film, paving the way for future generations of actors who would face fewer barriers to authentic representation.
Several of Toussaint’s “Hollyoaks” co-stars shared tributes following the announcement of his death. Richard Blackwood, who played Felix Westwood, Toussaint’s on-screen son-in-law, recalled their friendship both on and off screen. Nikki Sanderson, who plays Maxine Minniver on the long-running series, described Toussaint as someone who made time for everyone.
Jessica Fox, who portrays Nancy Osborne (also known as Nancy Hayton), responded to Bryan’s tribute post, noting she was fascinated by the stories of Toussaint’s incredible life. Rachel Adedeji, who played Lisa Loveday, Toussaint’s on-screen granddaughter, shared her response to the news. The outpouring of tributes from cast members reflected the respect and affection Toussaint had earned during his time on the show.
Beyond his signature role on “Hollyoaks,” Toussaint maintained a diverse acting career. He appeared in “Death in Paradise” as Cedrik Verga, showcasing his range beyond his work on “Hollyoaks.” His other television credits included “Dreaming Whilst Black” and “Sulphur and White.”
The relationship between Toussaint and Bryan extended beyond their on-screen father-daughter dynamic. Bryan, who is associated with Loose Women, represented Toussaint professionally through her work as an agent. This dual relationship as both colleague and representative gave Bryan unique insight into Toussaint’s career and character, spanning more than two decades of professional collaboration.
The actor’s career trajectory from the 1970s through the 2020s spanned a period of significant change in entertainment. When Toussaint began his career, opportunities were severely limited, with roles often confined to narrow stereotypes. By the time of his work on “Hollyoaks” in the late 2010s and early 2020s, the landscape had evolved considerably, though challenges remained. Toussaint’s persistence throughout these changing times helped create space for the more diverse casting and storytelling that contemporary audiences increasingly expect.
The tributes from Toussaint’s colleagues highlighted not only his professional accomplishments but also his personal character. Multiple co-stars emphasized his kindness and willingness to support fellow actors. These personal qualities, combined with his professional achievements, painted a picture of an artist who understood that breaking boundaries required both talent and integrity.
Toussaint’s legacy extends beyond his individual performances to include his role as a mentor and inspiration for younger actors. His willingness to take principled stands, even at potential professional cost, provided a model for maintaining artistic integrity in an industry that often demands compromise. The pathway he helped create continues to benefit performers who follow in his footsteps, facing fewer barriers to authentic representation than existed when Toussaint began his career five decades ago.
