Home city tribute to my dad is so moving
Kate Beckinsale on giant mural
LOVING: Richard, Kate & mum Judy RISING Damp legend Richard Beckinsale is today smiling down on his home town... to the delight of his film star daughter Kate.
The Hollywood actress was overwhelmed by the new, uncannily life-like mural by French artist Zabou.
In a post to her 2.1 million followers on Instagram, Kate, 45, said of the city centre work in Nottingham: “Touching people with love and laughs was my father’s absolute purpose.” Kate, star of the Underworld film franchise, added: “To know even that four decades after his death, his home town holds him this close is so unbelievably wonderful. Spread love, it lasts far beyond your lifetime.”
Richard was best known for his roles as Lennie Godber the hapless inmate of Slade Prison in Porridge and Alan Moore in Rising Damp. He died in 1979 from a heart attack, aged just 31. The mural will include portraits of fashion designer Sir Paul Smith who was, like Richard, born in nearby Beeston, and Motown singer Edwin Starr who spent his final years in Nottingham.
Zabou said: “The celebrities are speaking to a lot of people. They’re really loved around here.” A-LISTER Daughter Kate