Despite numerous roles in theatre, on television and in cinema, Macnee is still best known as John Steed in the series The Avengers (1961-69). The series was originally conceived as a vehicle for Ian Hendry who played the lead role, while Steed was the secondary character, an assistant to Hendry's character. Macnee though became the lead after Hendry's departure at the end of the first season. He played opposite a succession of female partners who included Honor Blackman, Diana Rigg and finally Linda Thorson. Steed was also the central character of a revival, The New Avengers (1976-77), in which he was teamed with Purdey (Joanna Lumley) and Mike Gambit (Gareth Hunt). Lumley said that she did all the gun-slinging because Macnee, having served in the Second World War, would have nothing to do with guns.
Although Macnee evolved the role as the series progressed, the key elements of Steed's persona and appearance were there from very early on: the slightly mysterious demeanour, and increasingly, the light, suave, flirting tone with ladies (and always with his female assistants). Finally, from the episodes with Honor Blackman onwards, the trademark bowler hat and umbrella completed the image. Traditionally associated with London 'city gents', the suit, umbrella and bowler had developed in the post-war years as mufti for ex-servicemen attending Armistice Day ceremonies. Macnee, alongside designer Pierre Cardin, adapted the look into a style all his own, and he went on to design several outfits himself for Steed based on the same basic theme.
During the 1960s, Macnee co-wrote two original novels based upon The Avengers, which he titled Dead Duck and Deadline. In 1988, he wrote his autobiography, which he titled Blind on One Ear: The Avenger Returns. In 1995, he hosted a documentary, The Avengers: The Journey Back, directed by Clyde Lucas.
When asked in June 1982 which Avengers female lead was his favourite, Macnee declined to give a specific answer. "Well, I'd rather not say. To do so would invite trouble", he told TV Week magazine. Macnee did provide his evaluation of the female leads. Of Honor Blackman he said "She was wonderful, presenting the concept of a strong-willed, independent and liberated woman just as that sort of woman was beginning to emerge in society." Diana Rigg was "One of the world's great actresses. A superb comedienne. I'm convinced that one day she'll be Dame Diana." (His prediction actually came true in 1994.) Linda Thorson was "one of the sexiest women alive" while Joanna Lumley was "superb in the role of Purdey. An actress who is only now realising her immense potential."
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