Desmond Barrit, the veteran stage and television actor, has died aged 81. He died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Islington, London, the news confirmed, prompting tributes from across the theatre and television communities.

Career and stage work

Barrit enjoyed a long and varied career spanning Shakespeare, musical theatre and contemporary drama. He was acclaimed for stage performances at venues including the Royal National Theatre and Theatr Clwyd and won recognition for roles such as Shylock in Chichester Festival Theatre’s 2003 production of The Merchant of Venice and as Hector in The History Boys at Wyndham’s Theatre.

His work in musical theatre included a noted turn in the 2004 revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Royal National Theatre — a production that later received an Olivier Award nomination for Outstanding Musical Production — and he played the Wizard in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2008. In 2014 he appeared as Michaud in Helen Edmundson’s adaptation of Thérèse Raquin at the Theatre Royal, Bath. Earlier television appearances included 1998’s Alice Through the Looking Glass, in which he played Humpty Dumpty.

Television credits

On television Barrit appeared in a range of drama, including the BBC medical series Holby City. He also guest-starred in Midsomer Murders, playing Raymond Clandillon in the 2007 episode “They Seek Him Here.” His screen work complemented a distinguished stage career across classical and contemporary repertoire.

Tributes

The National Theatre paid tribute, saying: “Des brought his sublime talent and massive heart to everything from Shakespeare to Sondheim, new plays to raucous pantomime. He was expertly funny… A generous and joyous man, he will be much missed.”

Screenwriter Russell Davies described Barrit as “a giant, a lion and a joy, he’ll be much missed. Goodnight to a great man.” Fellow 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.”

Barrit was born in Morriston, Swansea, and over decades established himself as a respected performer on both stage and screen. News of his sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of admiration for his work and character from colleagues and institutions across the industry.

Image Referance: https://www.nationalworld.com/culture/celebrity/desmond-barrit-star-of-holby-city-and-midsomer-murders-dies-at-81-6530994