RIP thread

[Durhamfootman]

Prunella Scales aged 93. Immortal (sort of) as Sybil Fawlty of course, but interesting to spot in films going back to the 50s.

I think it was only a couple of months ago her husband Timothy West died also. Often happens when one side goes, the other follows quick.

nearly a year, as it happens, but yes... I think I said at the time that I thought she might be lost without him

A very good actor, but sublime in FT..... iconic, really. When they were doing the canals, I found it quite hard to reconcile the slightly meandering Prunella with the dominating, forceful Sybil

[Arthur Crabtree]

Jimmy Cliff, reggae singer-songwriter, aged 81.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Writer Tom Stoppard, aged 88.

Actually won an Oscar. But I don't suppose he'll want to be remembered for Shakespeare in Love.

[Durhamfootman]

I'm sure he was very happy about it at the time

[sussexpob]

Actually won an Oscar. But I don't suppose he'll want to be remembered for Shakespeare in Love.

I am sure there were post-WWII Nazi's who didn't want to be remembered for what they did in the war, but tough luck... crimes against humanity have to be remembered.

I would hazard a guess all the critics who liked it would watch it now and spoon their eyes out.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I thought it was an average film! Though I've not seen it since its initial release. Far from the worst to win Best Film Oscar.

Intelligent writer for the stage, and his plays tend to get revived so I've seen quite a few.

[Durhamfootman]

I don't know much about his work apart from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. I enjoyed the film immensely when I saw it, although I have a feeling it was written for the stage. It feels like a very long time ago though.

I didn't know anything about his childhood or family and what they went through, until today

[Arthur Crabtree]

I like R&GAD a lot, including the film.

I did Professional Foul for A level, so I suppose that was unusual as it is a tv play. Didn't find it very interesting though.

[alfie]

Saw R&GAD on stage years back though I've never watched the film version. Also enjoyed The Real Inspector Hound : think the Darwin theatre group had a real liking for Stoppard's work at the time .

[andy]

Robin Smith has passed away aged 62..struggled with alcoholism and mental health... RIP

[Arthur Crabtree]

Sad to read about this. Surprised he was only a year older than me. A bit of a hero when facing up to the WI pacemen. But an achilles heel vs. spin. RIP.

[Durhamfootman]

It never even occurred to me that he was younger than I was

I remember his batting with fondness. Seemingly his highest test score came in the same game that Lara scored his 375

[sussexpob]

Someone posted on social media some recent photos of him this weekend where he looked terrible. The post was trying to raise awareness of his alcoholism, and to try to get him some support. Sounds like he drank himself into oblivion all the time, I say that with no judgement because I know enough about alcoholism to know its often the only thing that helps people get through the day with serious mental illnesses.

I hope he found peace finally... RIP Smithy..

[bigfluffylemon]

RIP Robin Smith. Gone way too young. An underappreciated player from a tough period on England's cricket history.

[alfie]

Sad news about Robin Smith. Not the only cricketer to struggle with internal demons after retirement but to end at just 62 ...RIP