Desmond Barrit, a much-loved TV actor known for roles in Holby City and Midsomer Murders, has died. He died at age 81, suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Islington. Barrit's career spanned decades with notable stage performances.
His earliest screen role came in 1998's Alice Through the Looking Glass, where he played Humpty Dumpty. On stage, he delivered a standout performance as Shylock in Chichester Festival Theatre's 2003 production of The Merchant of Venice and played the role of teacher Hector in The History Boys at Wyndham's Theatre. He also appeared in a limited-run revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Royal National Theatre in 2004, starring as Pseudolus.
The 2004 revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum received a nomination for the 2005 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production. On television, Barrit had a memorable role as Raymond Clandillon in a 2007 episode of Midsomer Murders titled They Seek Him Here and appeared in BBC's Holby City. His death was confirmed in a series of heartfelt tributes, with the National Theatre leading the outpouring.
Barrit was born in Morriston, near Swansea, in Glamorgan and was known affectionately as 'Des' to family and friends. The exact date of his death and the specific cause of his sudden passing have not been confirmed.