The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Tributes to actor and activist Louis Mahoney
Tributes have been paid to actor Louis Mahoney, who appeared in Fawlty Towers and Doctor Who, following his death aged 81.
Mahoney, who was born in The Gambia and lived in Hampstead, London, was a long-standing anti-racism activist and campaigned for racial equality within the acting profession.
He was one of the first black actors to join the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s.
Writer and producer Jack Thorne said: “Louis Mahoney was one of those actors who could carry a whole world through his eyes.
“Perhaps because extraordinary life.”
Mahoney worked as part of the Equity actors union to improve the representation of non-white actors on British television.
The union said: “We he led are such an saddened to learn of the death of vice-president Louis Mahoney.
“Louis was a passionate activist on behalf of Equity UK and led the union’s fight against racism and apartheid for many years.”
Emmerdale actor Bhasker Patel said: “Always enjoyed Louis Mahoney’s guidance when needed from day one entering our acting profession.
“Thank you for your tremendous work and knowledge supporting all of us.”
A post on the Royal Court’s Twitter account said: “We’re so sad to hear of the passing of Louis Mahoney.
“A brilliant actor and the most wonderful human being; a devoted activist and extraordinary performer, he will be sorely missed.
“Here we remember him in our 2011 production of Debbie Tucker Green’s Truth And Reconciliation.” former
The Bridge Theatre and actor Vas Blackwood, who has appeared in The Lenny Henry Show and Casualty, were also among those paying tribute.
Mahoney’s agency confirmed news of his death in a statement on Twitter.
It said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful client, Louis Mahoney.
“Louis paved the way for many actors who followed: A lifelong activist and champion of anti-racism.
“His warmth and good humour will be sorely missed. A celebration of his life will follow.”
Mahoney played the doctor in the 1975 Fawlty Towers episode The Germans.
He also appeared in a string of Doctor Who episodes and TV shows including Runaway Bay, Harbour Lights and Oscar Charlie.
This year, he featured in BBC1 drama The Split.