Luke Westlake

Luke Westlake was a talented actor whose promising career was marked by significant roles in acclaimed television series. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Lee Peck in the fifth season of the critically acclaimed series *Luther* (2010), starring alongside Idris Elba. In addition, Westlake showcased his acting skills in BBC dramas such as *No Offence* (2015) and *Doctors*. He completed his training at ArtsEd, one of the UK’s leading drama schools, graduating in 2017.

Tragically, Luke's life came to a premature end on June 22, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, when he took his own life at the age of 26. In the wake of this devastating loss, his classmates established The Luke Westlake Scholarship, which provides over £3,000 in artistic and financial assistance to a student pursuing their final year of training and their initial steps in the acting industry. This initiative was born out of a recognition that many aspiring actors face financial barriers upon completing their education.

His peers expressed that the scholarship serves as a tribute to Luke, who embodied the spirit and determination of working-class artists. The BWH Agency, which represented Westlake, mourned his loss, describing him as an exceptionally gifted and transformative actor, highlighting that his untimely passing is a profound tragedy for the artistic community.