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.
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 had 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.
You may very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment Francis Urquhart's famous one-liner from House of Cards Richardson won a Bafta award for his role as the Machiavellian Urquhart in 1990's House of Cards.
You may very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment Francis Urquhart's famous one-liner from House of Cards Richardson won a Bafta award for his role as the Machiavellian Urquhart in 1990's House of Cards.
He 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 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.
But it is for the deliciously devious Urquhart - a character he based on Richard III - that he remains best known.
But it is for the deliciously devious Urquhart - a character he based on Richard III - that he remains best known.
He was recently seen as the Chancellor in the BBC's Bleak HouseThe Tory politician's famous one-liner - "You may very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment" - has since passed into Westminster parlance.
He was recently seen as the Chancellor in the BBC's Bleak HouseThe Tory politician's famous one-liner - "You may very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment" - has since passed into Westminster parlance.
"I'm grateful for the part as it put me on the map," he said in 2005.
"I'm grateful for the part as it put me on the map," he said in 2005.
"The only trouble is getting rid of it. So many people seem to think that I am like him,"
"The only trouble is getting rid of it. So many people seem to think that I am like him,"
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.
He is survived by his wife, Maroussia, and two sons.
He is survived by his wife, Maroussia, and two sons.
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:
Your comments:
I met Ian when he was filming the film "Savage Play" in Scotland near Stirling and I was an extra. He was the perfect gentleman talking to everyone involved and keeping us amused in the cold weather with anecdotes. A gentleman and a fine actor.John, Newcastle
A fantastic actor, one of the best. Will always be remembered for being Francis Urquhart but was nothing like the evil PM. I saw a trailer for his new Jane Austin film only last night - he was still in the game.Robert Osborne, Swansea
A great actor and a man with great dignity. From the 'old school'. What happened to his knighthood. Others in entertainment have received the honour for less.Graham Kemp, Reading, UK
