Alas, there's been another death in the UKTV family. Leo McKern, best known for his portrayal of the titular character of John Mortimer's Rumpole of the Bailey, passed away, after a serious illness, at the reasonably ripe old age of 82. Much as John thaw had made a literary crime fighter his own, so McKern became the living, breathing embodiment of Mortimer's put upon barrister. And while the various Rumpole stories had commendable supporting squads, including Samantha Bond, Patricia Hodge and Peter Bowles, it was obvious that it was McKern who elevated the series to it's most beloved status. Before Rumpole McKern had a place in another cult favorite - The Prisoner.
Of course Leo McKern was more than a one-role actor, though his other film and telly roles tended to pale in comparison with his more famous creation. On celluloid he appeared in such 50's and 60's genre flix as X the Unknown, Scent of Mystery and The Day the Earth Caught Fire, 60's comedies such as The Mouse That Roared, Doctor in Distress and Agent 8 and ½. Perhaps his highest profile film appearance came as the villain Clang in the second Beatles feature film Help! Later roles included Thomas More in A Man for all Seasons, Thomas Ryan in Ryan's Daughter and Sancho Zancas to Alec Guiness' Monsignor Quixote.
McKern also had a long and distinguished career on the stage, though his appearances in all mediums had diminished greatly in the last few years. Fortunately his artistry will live on in the many, many hours of fine work he has left behind on film and video and in the memories of those lucky enough to have seen him perform in person.
Another sad note in the news was the passing, at the even riper old age of 92, of veteran thespian Maurice Denham. Denham's career spanned classics of radio (It's That Man Again, Much Binding in the Marsh), television (The Lotus Eaters, Edward and Mrs. Simpson, the Professionals, Peak Practice and Porrige) and film (The Day of the Jackal, Our Man in Havana and Julia). Another fine actor whose legacy will live on in the work they have left behind.
Ground Force: New York
The Ground Force team has hit The Big Apple and New York City will never be the same. Well, that might be overstating matters a trifle but it's still pretty darn exciting news that Alan, Charlie and Tommy brought their landscaping magic to the States, especially in light of Alan's recent retirement (from the series) rumblings.
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