One of my all time favourite films is ‘All the President’s Men’. This is flawless film with its two main actors, Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, giving performances that go some way to explaining their longevity in the acting world. However, what also helps lift this film above the norm is the casting of some of the greatest character actors of the 50s, 60s and 70s. The names of these actors will probably not be known to many people and more probable most people will know the faces but not the names. This is a shame as they deserve as much kudos as the main actors. The character actors I refer to are, Martin Balsom, Jack Warden, Hal Holbrook, Jason Robards, Ned Beatty and Jane Alexander. If these names don’t mean anything to you then Google them.
So, what point am I trying to make? Well, I believe that many of the character actors who appeared in Morse helped to lift the Morse series above the wealth of TV detective dramas that populated the airwaves at the same time. Many of the characters even went as far as stealing the scenes they appeared in with John Thaw and Kevin Whately, (Fabia Drake in ‘Last Bus to Woodstock’ to name but one).
So, I have decided to make this video not only as a tribute to those character actors but as a video obituary to those actors who have died since the making of the Morse series. There has been almost eighty actors who have died since the Morse series began so I have decided to split the tribute/obituary into two parts. I hope you enjoy the video and maybe agree with me that these and other character actors helped to make Morse one of TVs greatest shows.
Hi Chris for some reason the video isnt working, not sure why but thought I’d let you know.
Time flies by and watching a show that wasnt done all that long ago shows us this in many ways – it’s a creep thing now and then. then all of a sudden nobody is left – Are you being served” being a good example.
Once a show is over 20 years old though I think it’s little surprise some people will have departed.
Saddest I can think of from the Morse set is probably Laura Sadler and Charlotte Coleman both young and tragic cases albeit in different ways
Hi Tom. The video seems to be working for me. Try this link, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3h0fqm_characters-who-appeared-in-morse-but-have-since-died_tv Hope that helps and thanks for commenting.
Hi Chris yeah I tried that and it worked there – once again superb video and great attention to detail
What a lot of work you put into this, and I am most grateful. The first time I saw Barry Foster was in Hitchcock’s Frenzy, and he was so scary. Whenever I see him in anything else I assume he is the villain. :<) I'm also interested in the names – there was an actor Harold Innocent, which proved to me that it is a real last name in England. That, and Strange, Thursday, Dear seem so unusual to me. Thanks again.
Morning Nan. I’m a big Hitchcock fan and Frenzy is one of his under-rated films. Barry Foster also of course was a TV detective on British television in the seventies and eighties. The series was called Van Der Valk. It was set in Holland. It wasn’t too bad. There may be episdoes on Youtube. I knew someone who’s surname was Darling. 🙂
Hello. Sorry for your loss first off. I know the feeling, as i also take care of my mother with early onset- semi dementia. Second, found your site interesting and very well written. Loved the videos.
Stay safe!
Hello Diana and welcome to my website. Thank you for your thoughts regarding my mum. It is tough looking after an elderly mother with dementia. Take care of yourself.