For some reason last night, I guess because of all the PR hype over the animated Jim Carrey version this month, I pulled out the DVD of my favorite version of “A Christmas Carol,” with George C. Scott as Scrooge and David Warner as Bob Cratchit.

One of the best things about this version is the lusty performance of the great Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. That’s why I was so shocked and saddened to hear today about Woodward’s passing at age 79.

For we Americans, Woodward will always be thought of as “The Equalizer,” from the short-lived but beloved 1980s series in which he starred as a retired CIA agent who helps people battling long odds. He had a long and distinguished career in both film and TV.

He’s a great actor and will be missed.