SCOTS actor Walter Carr, known for his versatility in demanding theatrical roles as well as being a comedian, pantomime dame, and star of television's original Vital Spark series, has died aged 72. He had been fighting throat cancer for two years, and had a heart attack while recovering from an operation.

Among many tributes paid last night, comedian Johnnie Beattie described him as a joy to work with and a complete professional.

''He crossed the line between the legit and variety stages in a marvellous way. I worked with him for 12 years and more in the Pride of the Clyde shows, and you could not have had a better fellow actor,'' he said.

Glasgow actor-comedian Jimmy Logan, who worked in many shows with Carr, paid tribute from London, where he is rehearsing for a Cameron Mackintosh show.

He said: ''What a lovely, gentlemanly man was Walter. He would give of himself to everybody in a show, and would do anything to help the comedian get the big laugh.''

Ian Christie, the former BBC producer who featured Carr in the Lex McLean comedy shows, said: ''Walter gave immense support to Lex, who was then new to television.''

He was perhaps best known for his part of Dougie the mate in the Vital Spark comedy series about a Clyde Coast puffer, although he also had a successful pantomime career culminating in the box- office record-breaking Mother Goose at the King's theatres in Glasgow and Edinburgh in 1990 - which he also wrote and directed.

Born Walter Anderson in Larkhall, Lanarkshire, Carr joined the Wilson Barrett repertory company in Edinburgh in 1947, staying for eight years.

The same year he made his first appearances at Perth Theatre, taking over roles assigned to Gordon Jackson, whose career in London was blossoming. He was quickly in demand for leading roles in other companies, particularly at Edinburgh Festivals in the 1950s.

By 1957, Carr had embarked on the first of his 38 pantomimes, appearing as the Dame in most.

He was also acclaimed for his straight acting in many seasons at Pitlochry, the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, and at Perth.

Walter Carr received little formal education, leaving school at 13 to become a telegram boy.

His love affair with the stage began when the family moved to Prestwick and he became a performer with a local amateur group. He turned professional after the war.

He is survived by two of his three brothers and three sisters, as well as a large extended family.