Theatre legend Richard Howard has died at the age of 79.
The actor was a star of the stage and screen, having appeared in multiple Olivier-nominated productions, including as part of the original cast of Shakespeare In Love, based on the famous 1998 film, and Olivier-winning Stanley.
His death was announced by representatives at the Scott Marshall Partners talent agency, who shared the news ‘with great sadness’.
They wrote: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved client, Richard Howard, at the age of 79, after a short illness.’
He had a celebrated career on the stage, and also appeared in Poirot episode Four And Twenty Blackbirds, as well as BBC Radio 4’s play The People’s Princess.
In theatre, he was renowned for his work in Shakespeare plays, and toured across America, Europe and Asia with performances of Twelfth Night, Macbeth and Romeo And Juliet.
Howard also taught at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
His agent told PA News Agency: ‘Howard acted and directed with the Jill Freud Theatre Company for many seasons, and was a member of the London Shakespeare Group.’
The actor was also part of the Stables Theatre Club in Manchester, and Brian Friel and Stephen Rea’s theatre company Field Day.
He is survived by his son, three stepdaughters and nine grandchildren.
