Restless Natives star dies aged 64
Cult classic actor was also in Trainspotting & Still Game
TRIBUTES have been paid to Trainspotting and Restless Natives actor Vincent Friell, who died on Sunday.
The 64-year-old Glaswegian also starred in multiple movies and television shows including The Angel’s Share, Rab C. Nesbitt, Taggart and Still Game.
His role as Will in 1985 cult classic Restless Natives – about two highwaymen who become folk heroes after they hold up tour buses with novelty items – catapulted Friell into the limelight.
Liam Rudden, who starred alongside Friell in the movie, took to social media to share the news of his passing.
He wrote: “Sad to read that Vincent Friell, a star of the brilliant movie Restless Natives, has died aged 64 – first film I ever appeared in. RIP.” In later years, he would star in a who’s who of Scottish television shows appearing on Rab C. Nesbitt, Taggart and bagging a memorable role in a classic Still Game episode.
Friell played Chris Howden, a property developer who wants to knock down The Clansman to erect a row of memorial cottages to his late mum Jenny.
Regulars Jack, Victor and Winston become worried that Chris could be their illegitimate son as they all “knew” his mother.
Another of Friell’s famous roles was as the dad of Kelly Macdonald’s Diane in Danny Boyle smash hit Trainspotting.
Rab C Nesbitt creator Ian Pattison said: “Vince did us the honour of appearing in the ‘Eorpa’ episode of Rab C Nesbitt.
“His passing has come as a huge shock to his many friends and work colleagues.
“What comes over clearly is how respected Vince was, not only as an actor but as a funny, sensitive and caring human being.”
Radio presenter Ronnie McGhie also paid tribute to Friell, saying: “He was in many programmes, but it’s his performance in movie Restless Natives he’ll be remembered for. A wonderful film.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends. Vincent, you shall be missed.”
Television producer Jacqueline Sinclair posted: “Aw, sad news about Vincent Friell. This will always be one of my favourite films #RestlessNatives.”
Director and producer Carter Ferguson wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear that Vince Friell has passed away. What a lovely, funny, talented guy.
“He joined us on my feature film, @FastRomance.
“A homage in many ways to films like #RestlessNatives, for which he was so famous.”
Fans also took to social media to pay their respects. Johnny Beskow wrote: “That’s so sad to hear.” Bev Adger said: “Such sad news, taken too soon – I was literally talking about Restless Natives last week – RIP Wolfman.”
Patrick Stratford said: “Gutted to hear – he had a fantastic screen career in Scotland, he was in a few Taggarts, had a short stint in Take the High Road playing Natalie Robb’s schoolteacher and a memorable guest appearance in Still Game.”
Nick Wood posted: “Ah man Vincent Friell has passed. Restless Natives is one of the best films ever made. Such a shame.”
vince was respected as a funny, sensitive and caring human being RAB C NESBITT CREATOR IAN PATTISON