Actor Paul Ritter, who played Martin Goodman in popular Channel 4 comedy, Friday Night Dinner, has died at the age of 54, it has been confirmed.
Alongside his TV appearances, Paul also starred in a number of stage productions throughout his career.
In recent years, he led The Old Vic revival of Art and appeared in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the National Theatre. Paul received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in 2006 for playing Otis Gardiner in the hit production of Helen Edmundson’s Coram Boy. He was also nominated for a Tony Award for his role in The Norman Conquests in New York.
He also starred in Sky drama Chernobyl, played Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and appeared in James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
Paul died from a brain tumour yesterday, according to reports.
His agent said today: “It is with great sadness we can confirm that Paul Ritter passed away last night.”
They said he died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side.
The statement added that he was “an exceptionally talented actor playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill”, describing him as “fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny.”
“We will miss him greatly,” it said.
Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends at this time.