Actor Ian Richardson, best known for his role as the scheming chief whip Francis Urquhart in the BBC's House of Cards, has died at the age of 72.
Actor Ian Richardson, best known for his role as scheming chief whip Francis Urquhart in the BBC's House of Cards, has died suddenly at the age of 72.
The stage and TV veteran has not been ill and had been due to begin filming an episode of ITV's Midsomer Murders next week, according to his agent.
The stage and TV veteran had not been ill and had been due to begin filming an episode of ITV's Midsomer Murders next week, according to his agent.
Born in Edinburgh in 1934, he was an honorary associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Born in Edinburgh in 1934, he was an honorary associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
He recently appeared in the BBC's Bleak House and Sky One's Hogfather.
He recently appeared in the BBC's Bleak House and Sky One's Hogfather.
Famous for his sonorous voice and stern demeanour, he was made a CBE in 1989.
Famous for his sonorous voice and stern demeanour, he was made a CBE in 1989.
'Personal integrity'
'Personal integrity'
Richardson won a Bafta award for his role as the Machiavellian Urquhart in 1990's House of Cards.
Richardson won a Bafta award for his role as the Machiavellian Urquhart in 1990's House of Cards.
He was recently seen as the Chancellor in the BBC's Bleak HouseHe went on to be nominated for both its sequels, To Play the King and The Final Cut, as well as the 1992 drama An Ungentlemanly Act.
He was recently seen as the Chancellor in the BBC's Bleak HouseHe went on to be nominated for both its sequels, To Play the King and The Final Cut, as well as the 1992 drama An Ungentlemanly Act.
Other TV roles included Sherlock Holmes, Lord Groan in Gormenghast and Sir Godber Evans in Porterhouse Blue.
Other TV roles included Sherlock Holmes, Lord Groan in Gormenghast and Sir Godber Evans in Porterhouse Blue.
His many films included Terry Gilliam's Brazil and Jane Austen biopic Becoming Jane, due for release next month.
His many films included Terry Gilliam's Brazil and Jane Austen biopic Becoming Jane, due for release next month.
Richardson died in his sleep at his London home in the early hours of Friday morning.
Richardson died in his sleep at his London home in the early hours of Friday morning.
Author Michael Dobbs, who wrote the novel on which House of Cards was based, described him as "a superb actor" who was "very careful not to let the fame get in the way of his personal integrity".
Author Michael Dobbs, who wrote the novel on which House of Cards was based, described him as "a superb actor" who was "very careful not to let the fame get in the way of his personal integrity".
What are your memories of Ian Richardson? Did you know him or work with him? Send us your experiences using the form below:
What are your memories of Ian Richardson? Did you know him or work with him? Send us your experiences using the form below:
