Fern’s tribute to father after his death aged 95
TRIBUTES were last night paid to actor Tony Britton after his death at the age of 95.
His daughter, television presenter Fern Britton, announced the sad news on Twitter.
She said: “Our father, Tony Britton, died early this morning. Great actor, director and charmer. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Britton was best known for starring alongside Nigel Havers and Dinah Sheridan in the BBC sitcom Don’t Wait Up from 1983 to 1990. He played Dr Toby Latimer,
He also appeared in Robin’s Nest alongside Richard O’Sullivan and Tessa Wyatt, and in films Operation Amsterdam and The Day of The Jackal, as well as Sunday Bloody Sunday.
In 1975, he won the Broadcasting Press Guild’s best actor award for his role in The Nearly Man.
Fern’s tweet sparked hundreds of tributes and messages of support on social media. Actor and comedian Sanjeev
BY MARK JEFFERIES Bhaskar said: “Profound condolences Fern and gratitude for the joy and entertainment your dad brought to me and millions of others. Sending love and strength.”
Jasper Britton, Tony’s son from his second marriage, tweeted: “As he was wont to say, ‘That’s showbusiness, kid’.”
Actor Peter Egan added: “Very sad to see the passing of the legend Tony Britton.
“A wonderful actor and light comedian. Condolences to his family. A lovely man.”
Britton, born in Birmingham, served in the Army during World War II and worked in an aircraft factory.
Later, he joined an amateur dramatics group in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, before turning professional. He appeared on stage at the Old Vic in
London and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 2013, Britton appeared as the Earl of Gloucester in a production of Shakespeare’s King Lear at the Old Vic.
On BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs in 1973, Britton told how he did not come from a theatrical background.
“I believe one of my many aunts had a good voice but she never used it professionally,” he said.
But he added: “Ever since I was old enough to think, I’ve always wanted to be an actor.
“I couldn’t tell you why, it was just there.”
He shares two children, Fern and scriptwriter Cherry Britton, with his first wife Ruth Hawkins.
His second wife was Danish sculptor Eva Castle Britton, with whom he had son Jasper.