Friday Night Dinner actor Paul Ritter has died aged 54, it has been confirmed.
The star, who also appeared in JK Rowling’s film Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, passed away from a brain tumour.
His agent said in a statement: “It is with great sadness we can confirm that Paul Ritter passed away last night.
“He died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side. He was 54 and had been suffering from a brain tumour.
“Paul was an exceptionally talented actor, playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill.
(Image: Channel 4)
“He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. We will miss him greatly.”
Paul is due to appear in the 10th anniversary special for Friday Night Dinner, where he plays the role of dad Martin Goodman, which will air on Channel 4 later this year.
Paul starred in all six series of Friday Night Dinner.
His death comes just months after the sad passing of his Friday Night co-star Rosalind Knight.
The Carry On actress died aged 87 in December.
Knight played the role of “Horrible Grandma” alongside Paul.
As well as his role in Harry Potter, Paul also hit the big screen in James Bond’s Quantum of Solace alongside Daniel Craig.
As well as receiving praise for his stints on the silver screen, he enjoyed critical acclaim for his stage work.
In 2006 he bagged an Olivier Award nomination for his performance in Coram Boy.
Three year later he had a Tony Award nomination for his role in Norman Conquests.
More recently in 2019 he appeared in hard-hitting TV series Chernobyl based on the 1986 nuclear disaster.
Speaking to Radio Times in March 2020, Paul recalled signing up to Friday Night Dinner – joking about his character often being found shirtless.
Joking about the role, he said: “The topless idea was explained to me quite early on and like a food I said ‘yeah, fine’.
“One leaves one’s dignity at the door. I guess.
“There’s a great quote from Bert Kwouk talking abut the Pink Panther films.
“He said ‘always take the work seriously but not yourself’. That’s what I’ve tried to do.”
(Image: Channel 4)
He added of his role in Chernobyl: “It was fantastic and I felt very privileged to be involved with it but I don’t stick my head up and survey whether I’m more recognised or anything like that.
“I’d say about 60% of people who recognise me is due to Friday Night Dinner – particularly among the younger constituency of viewers.
“And yes, I get a fair bit of Martin’s catchphrase ‘S*** on it” shouted at me in the street.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
