Harry Potter & Chernobyl Actor Paul Ritter Dies At 54
UK actor Paul Ritter, known for his extensive work in the theatre and major films like Harry Potter, has passed away at the age of 54. Born in Kent, England, Ritter made a name for himself despite having no connections in the entertainment industry. He got his start on stage, working in several productions by London's acclaimed National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Along the way, the admired actor was nominated for an Olivier award for his performance in Coram Boy (2006) and later a Tony award for his lead role in Norman Conquests (2009). He also notably played opposite Helen Mirren in Stephen Daldry’s acclaimed production of The Audience.
Ritter's television and film experience is equally eminent. The versatile performer lit up the small screen in popular series like The Walking Dead, ITV drama's Vera and Paul Abbott’s beloved procedural No Offence. Two of his most widely-known roles were playing Anatoly Dyatlov in HBO's hit mini series Chernobyl and, in the UK, his hilarious turn as Martin in Channel 4's sitcom Friday Night Dinner. Ritter's feature film credits include blockbusters like Quantum Of Solace and Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince, where he brought life to wizard Eldred Worple.
Deadline confirmed the sad news with a statement from Ritter's longtime agent. The agency announced that Ritter passed away at 54 after battling a brain tumor. He was at home and surrounded by his family at the time. You can read the full statement below:
“It is with great sadness we can confirm that Paul Ritter passed away last night. He died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side. He was 54 and had been suffering from a brain tumour. Paul was an exceptionally talented actor playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill. He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. We will miss him greatly.”
Tributes for the actor from his previous co-stars and fans flooded social media. Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper wrote that he was "devastated at this terribly sad news." The writer, who worked alongside Ritter, spoke to his legacy adding: "Paul was a lovely, wonderful human being. Kind, funny, super caring and the greatest actor I ever worked with x." Comedian Rob Delaney was another star to pay homage to Ritter, specifically marveling at his performance in Chernobyl. "Knocked it out of the PARK in Chernobyl. Watching it I consciously thought, 'Oh, we have a new movie star.' Between that & how funny he was in Friday Night Dinner... just unreal talent. Rest in peace, Paul Ritter," he tweeted.
Ritter effortlessly transitioned from drama to comedy, with his stellar performances always remaining grounded in the circumstances of each project. His rise in the theatre no doubt played a part in this. Fans still have some more Ritter to look forward to, as he is due to appear in Friday Night Dinner's 10th anniversary retrospective later this year. He will also be seen in John Madden’s upcoming WWII drama Operation Mincemeat, alongside Colin Firth. Our thoughts go out to Ritter's loved ones at this time.
Source: Deadline