Gary Waldhorn, best known for playing David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley, has died at the age of 78.
The actor, who appeared in every episode of the much-loved comedy, died on Monday, his son Josh confirmed in a statement.
"Classically trained, it was the theatre where he truly flourished and he leaves a legacy of entertainment that saw him frequent the boards of Broadway, the West End and our living rooms on the telly!" he said.
"He leaves behind his two grandsons, Cooper and Bayley and his son Josh. We will all miss him terribly."
A statement from BBC Comedy said: "Gary was an incredibly talented actor who is fondly remembered by us for his numerous appearances on some of the nations most treasured BBC shows, and of course as Councillor David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
Waldhorn's co-stars Dawn French and James Fleet paid tribute with photo posts on Twitter after the news broke.
— Dawn French 💙🔴🏳️🌈 (@Dawn_French) January 11, 2022
Gazza. pic.twitter.com/OFnfRHpC8Q
— James Fleet (@James_Fleet) January 11, 2022
French and Fleet are now the only two surviving members of the show's cast following the deaths of six of the original eight actors over the last eight years.
Follow us on Twitter @SMEntsFeed and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
