UK theater and cinema actor Paul Ritter, best known for Channel4’s long comedy series Friday night dinner, died of a brain tumor at age 54, confirmed his agent.
Ritter’s prolific small screen production included major roles in the success of HBO 2019 Chernobyl, ITV Drama Will see and Paul Abbott No offense. Among his feature credits were Quantum Of Solace and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and he has a supporting role in John Madden’s WWII drama Operation Mincemeat starring Colin Firth.T
Ritter was also an admired theater actor and was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2006 for his performance in Coram Boy and a Tony award for his leading role in 2009 in Norman achievements. He also played John Major in Stephen Daldry’s The audience.
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But the actor was undoubtedly best known for playing the eccentric Martin Goodman, usually shirtless, presenting his ‘bambinos’ at his ‘Friday Night Dinner’ on channel 4 with that name, also starring Tamsin Greig, Simon Bird and Tom Rosenthal. It should appear in the retrospective of the show’s 10th anniversary, which is due to air on Channel4 later this year.
Ritter’s agent told us: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that Paul Ritter passed away last night. He died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and children Frank and Noah at his side. He was 54 years old and suffered from a brain tumor. Paul was an exceptionally talented actor, playing a huge variety of roles on stage and on screen with extraordinary skill. He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. We will miss him very much. “
The news was received with sadness by many in the UK industry and beyond.
Paul Ritter was one of the most versatile and brilliant actors who has ever breathed. If Paul Ritter was on to something, it was good. This is horrible news.
– Sanjeev Kohli (@govindajeggy) April 6, 2021
Paul Ritter
A beautiful and brilliant actor
Love to all in @MFandI_Talent and your family pic.twitter.com/Spke6T4Kxi
– shaheen baig cast (@sbaigcasting) April 6, 2021
Oh no, what a brilliant talent he was 😔, on the count of three, a tribute to his iconic catchphrase … “SHIT WITH IT!”
Friday Night Dinner star Paul Ritter dies of brain tumor in 54 https://t.co/IaNilf5iDo
– Greg Jenner (@greg_jenner) April 6, 2021
Paul Ritter was one of the best comedy actors, but he was also a terrifying force on Chernobyl (arguably one of the best TV series of all time). This news is devastating.
– Scott Bryan (@scottygb) April 6, 2021