Desmond Barrit obit

STAR GONE 

Holby City and Midsomer Murders star Desmond Barrit dies aged 81 as tributes pour in

 

He was not on the list.

A MUCH-loved actor who starred in Holby City and Midsomer Murders has died aged 81.

Desmond Barrit’s passing saw moving tributes pour in from actors, pals and fans online.

Desmond played Raymond Clandillon in Season 10 of Midsomer Murders back in 2007.

The talented actor also starred in numerous plays and pantomimes during a long and fruitful career.

The acting icon, who was better known to family and friends as ‘Des’, also starred as Aubrey in hit show Holby City.

Desmond’s tragic death was confirmed by heartfelt tributes online from various production companies as well as fellow actors.

A tribute from the National Theatre read: “Des brought his sublime talent and massive heart to everything from Shakespeare to Sondheim, new plays to raucous pantomime.

“He was expertly funny. My introduction to Shakespeare was his legendary turn in Comedy of Errors at the RSC, playing both Antipholi twins with spellbinding energy.

“He was a hilarious ringmaster announcing ‘Comedy Tonight’ in the National Theatre’s outstanding revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

“But he could break hearts as well, and I had the privilege of directing him as a devastating Big Daddy in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof at the Theatr Clywd in 2016.

“A generous and joyous man, he will be much missed.”

Desmond was born in Morriston, near Swansea, in Glamorgan and wasted no time getting in front of the camera.

One of his earliest roles came in Alice Through the Looking Glass (1998), where he took on the part of Humpty Dumpty.

He then made waves on stage in 2003, stepping into the shoes of Shylock in Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of The Merchant of Venice.

Desmond also starred in The History Boys at Wyndham’s Theatre, playing much-loved teacher Hector, a role made famous on screen by Richard Griffiths.

The stage and screen star turned heads in 2004 at the Royal National Theatre in a limited-run revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

He played Pseudolus alongside a strong cast including Philip Quast, Hamish McColl and Isla Blair.

The production went on to earn a nomination for the 2005 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production.

TV fans may also recognise him from Midsomer Murders, where he appeared as Raymond Clandillon in a 2007 episode titled They Seek Him Here.

Meanwhile, in the West End, Desmond took over as the Wizard in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on 7 July 2008, stepping in for Nigel Planer.

His start date had been pushed back after he needed an operation.

Desmond later returned to the role in December 2011, replacing Clive Carter, and stayed until July 2012 – marking four years since his debut – before Keith Bartlett took over.

More recently, in 2014, he appeared as Michaud in Helen Edmundson’s adaptation of Therese Raquin at the Theatre Royal, Bath.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for Desmond, better known as ‘Des’ to family and friends.

Screenwriter and television producer Russell Davies said: “A giant, a lion and a joy, he’ll be much missed. Goodnight to a great man.”

Meanwhile, actor Joseph Millson said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Des Barrit.

“I was in three productions with him, each a real flag in the sand for my career.

“Des was a kind mess of humanity and a consummate actor every single time. So many stories. Fare forward friend.”

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