Remembering actor DAVID WARNER

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

It has been announced that screen and stage star David Warner has passed away, aged 80.

Best known for his screen roles in Titanic and The Omen, Warner often frequented the stage, having performed in some of the most significant Shakespearean revivals of the 20th century.

Acting Artistic Director of Royal Shakespeare Company, Erica Whyman, said: “We are saddened to hear of the death of David Warner, RSC Honorary Associate Artist, aged 80. Gregory Doran, our Artistic Director Emeritus, reflects upon David’s extraordinary career below:”

Gregory Doran said: “I’m very sad to hear the news that David Warner has died.

“In 1963, David was part of the legendary Wars of the Roses cycle, directed by Peter Hall, in John Barton’s adaptation, playing King Henry VI. When the second history tetralogy was added the following year to celebrate the Shakespeare tercentenary, David played Richard II, and delightfully, in the spirit of ensemble, Mouldy, one of the Gloucestershire recruits, in Henry IV Part Two.

“David’s most iconic role for the RSC was as Hamlet in 1965, directed again by Peter Hall, with Glenda Jackson as Ophelia, and Elizabeth Spriggs as Gertrude, with Brewster Mason as Claudius and the Ghost. A tortured student, in his long orange scarf, David seemed the epitome of 1960’s youth, and caught the radical spirit of a turbulent age.

“In Peter Hall’s 1969 film of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, David played Lysander, alongside Helen Mirren as Hermia, Diana Rigg as Helena, and Michael Jayston as Demetrius.

“After a varied career in film and TV, David returned to the company in 2007 to be part of Michael Boyd’s Histories, playing Sir John Falstaff. He was a generous spirit, a kind man, and a huge talent.”

Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this difficult time.