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Tributes flood in as Taggart and Trainspotting star Vincent Friell dies aged 64
Virgin Radio
16 Apr 2024, 16:04
Credit: Rex / BBC
Taggart and Trainspotting actor Vincent Friell, 64, has died suddenly and tributes from fans have poured in.
The Glasgow-born star was best known for playing Will in the tour-bus robbing Edinburgh film Restless Natives and in a number of TV shows including Rab C Nesbitt and Being Victor. He went on to perform as Kelly Macdonald’s (Diane) father alongside Ewan McGregor in Danny Boyle's Trainspotting and in Scottish sitcom Still Game.
Writer of the cult film Restless Natives, Ninian Dunnett, penned: “I’m desperately sad to get this tragic news, he died far too early.
Credit: X
“We were blessed to find him for Restless Natives as he had a gift for that character - the romantic worrier with the world on his shoulders.
“Vince’s lugubrious, doe-eyed, young face really is the spirit of the film to many people. And always will be.
“We’re going to be touring the stage musical round Scotland next year, and I’m more sorry than I can say that Vince won’t be with us to share in the nostalgia and the celebration.”
Credit: BBC / The Sun
Rab C. Nesbitt creator Ian Pattison commented: “Vince did us the honour of appearing in the Eorpa episode of Rab C. Nesbitt [in 1992]. 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. Condolences to Vince’s family at this very difficult time."
Credit: The Sun / Brennan Artists
Jane McCarry from 2005's Still Game posted: “I’m very sad to hear Vincent has passed away. He was a lovely guy. Very funny and a great actor.”
Film director Carter Ferguson said: "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, Fast Romance. A homage in many ways to films like Restless Natives, for which he was so famous."
Credit: X / Brennan Artists
Fans commented: "The sad news of the death of actor Vincent Friell has brought back so many memories. Amongst his many other roles, to me, he was always Will in Restless Natives. One of my all-time favourite films. RIP Vincent. One more time to Strathault. Rest well."
A second added: "Like many I was devastated to hear about the sudden passing of Vincent Friell. An extremely gifted and hard working actor and a lovely, kind, funny, family man. It was an honour to have him as a dear friend. Thoughts and love to all his family. RIP Big fella."
"Sad to read that Vincent Friell, a star of the brilliant movie #RestlessNatives, has died aged 64. #RIPVincentFriell #RIP," wrote a third.
Our deepest condolences are with his family.
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