Stay lucky: Peter Vaughan, 1923-2016

7 December 2016 Jay Gent News 0

❉  The actor Peter Vaughan, sadly passed away yesterday (6 December 2016).

Actor Peter Vaughan, best known for his roles in Porridge and Game Of Thrones, has died.

Recently, Peter Vaughan was heard to say on BBC Radio Kent:

“I like playing every type of role that I’m capable of playing. I have had a wonderful 70-odd years as a professional actor right from the age of 16. I’ve played villains, I’ve played nice people, I’ve played such a wide range of roles.

But I’ve played a lot of hard nuts, that is for sure, because I’m not a pretty boy to look at, am I?

I have never, in the whole 70 years I’ve been an actor, rested unless I have wanted to rest. I have, never, ever, been actually out of work.

Just how lucky I have been, and what a lucky, wonderful life, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

BBC News writes:

His agent Sally Long-Innes said: “This is to confirm that very sadly Peter Vaughan passed away at approximately 10.30 this morning. He died peacefully with his family around him.”
Vaughan began acting in the 1950s and became a recognisable face by playing numerous mainly supporting roles on stage, television, radio and film.

Throughout a career in theatre, television and film spanning over 75 years, actor Peter Vaughan kept in mind a piece of advice given to him by his father: Always see the ludicrous side of things. This may come as a surprise to those who associate him mainly with menacing, even brutal characters, in everything from Sam Peckinpah’s ‘Straw Dogs’ to Terry Gilliam’s ‘Brazil’. Many will have fond memories of his portrayal of ‘genial’ Harry Grout in the classic sitcom ‘Porridge’, which is ironic since the character only appeared in three episodes. Such was the indelible mark Peter’s performance left on the viewers’ imagination. He recently gained a whole new generation of fans with his role as Maester Aemon Targaryen in the hugely popular fantasy drama series ‘Game of Thrones’.

Paul Ballard of Fantom films, who published his memoir ‘Once A Villain’, was quoted as saying: “Sad news about Peter Vaughan. An acting legend and a complete gentleman.”

Here are some of the tributes to Mr. Vaughan that appeared on Twitter:

❉  Peter Vaughan’s autobiography, ‘Once A Villain’, is available to order from Fantom Publishing, RRP £19.99 (hardback).

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