KENNETH GRIFFITH R.I.P.

We are sad to report the news that Welsh actor and documentary maker Kenneth Griffith has died at his home in Islington. He was 84.

A good friend of Patrick McGoohan, Griffith starred in two episodes of "The Prisoner", playing Schnipps in "The Girl Who Was Death" and The President in "Fall Out" (a role for which he wrote much of the dialogue himself), and also the last two episodes of "Danger Man" ("Koroshi" and "Shinda Shima")..

Born in 1921 in Tenby, South Wales, he served in the RAF during World War II, where he started acting, and won his first role in the 1941 film "The Farmer's Wife".

He quickly became one of Britain's most respected character actors and over the years starred in over 80 films, the best known of which include "A Night To Remember", "I'm All Right Jack", "The Wild Geese", "The Sea Wolves", "Who Dares Wins", and "Four Weddings and a Funeral". He was also a regular face on Television, with guest-starring roles in series as diverse as "Strange Report", "Colditz", and the comedy series "Clochemerle". His last role was in 2003 in an episode of the popular BBC drama serial "Holby City", in which he played a cantankerous patient.

As well as a fine actor, Ken was also a talented documentary maker, with a particular interest in The Boer War and African and Irish politics (his 1967 film "Ladysmith" was co-financed by McGoohan). His 1972 documentary for ITV, "Hang Out Your Brightest Colours: The Life and Death of Michael Collins", about the IRA leader, was banned by the IBA until 1994.

A regular attendee at "Prisoner" events in the 1980s and 1990s, Ken was interviewed several times about his work, and presented Steven Ricks' highly regarded documentary "The Prisoner Investigated". Links: Interview, Credits, BBC Wales Obituary.

We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of a uniquely talented and determined man.

Thanks to Simon Coward and Frank Shailes for this news item.

News Announced 25/6/2006, Archived 31/10/2006

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE NEWS ARCHIVE

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE MAIN UNMUTUAL HOME PAGE