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David Ryall
David Ryall
David Ryall
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David John Ryall[1] (5 January 1935 – 25 December 2014) was an English stage, film and television actor. He had leading roles in Lytton's Diary and Goodnight Sweetheart, as well as memorable roles in Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective and Andrew Davies's adaptation of To Play the King. He also portrayed Billy Buzzle in the ITV sitcom Bless Me, Father and Grandad Frank in the BBC sitcom Outnumbered.

Key Information

Early life

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Born in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex,[1] Ryall was educated at Shoreham and Wallington grammar schools. He received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1962; during this time, he won the Caryl Brahms Award for a Musical.[1][2]

Career

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On leaving RADA, Ryall went into repertory theatre in Salisbury, Bristol, Leicester and Birmingham (including King Lear and The Master Builder) and then into Laurence Olivier's company with the National Theatre at the Old Vic from 1965 to 1973. During this time he was involved with many new and influential plays, including Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Jumpers, Peter Shaffer's The Royal Hunt of the Sun and Adrian Mitchell's Tyger.[1] Other work at the National Theatre include Guys and Dolls, The Beggar's Opera, Coriolanus (for which he won the Clarence Derwent Award in 1985) and Animal Farm, The School for Wives, Wild Oats, Democracy and The UN Inspector. In 1979, Ryall played a small role as a mechanic in the episode Earnshaw Strikes Back in the long running BBC series Last of the Summer Wine. In 1983, he worked on A Matter of the Officers and Jean Seberg with Julian Barry, who remained a lifelong friend. In 1984, Ryall performed a one-man show of stories and poems by Edward Bond at the NT, titled A Leap in the Light.

Ryall portrayed discredited scientist Frank Skuse in the March 1990 docudrama Who Bombed Birmingham?.

In 1994, Ryall played Feste in Sir Peter Hall's production of Twelfth Night – a performance that was praised highly by Sir Alec Guinness in his autobiography. In 1996–97, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, he played God in The Mysteries, and Polonius in Hamlet, for which he was nominated for the Helen Hayes Award during its tour of the United States.

Ryall worked with Sir Peter Hall again in the 1999 production of Lenny in the West End, and after that in the 2000 epic Tantalus, in Colorado and the UK. Ryall continued to be a regular face in the theatre, with appearances in Patrick Marber's Don Juan in Soho at the Donmar Warehouse in 2007.

Ryall's television and film career include The Knowledge, The Singing Detective, Shelley, Inspector Morse,Heartbeat, Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, Bertie and Elizabeth, Juliet Bravo, Down to Earth, Foyle's War, Plotlands, State of Play, The Elephant Man, Truly, Madly, Deeply, Black Beauty and Two Men Went to War.[3][4] He appeared as Max, an antiques collector, in episode 4 of BBC drama Bonekickers.

In 2005, Ryall played the role of Winston Churchill in the French television drama Le Grand Charles, based on the life of Charles de Gaulle.[5]

Ryall appeared in the BBC One sitcom Outnumbered from 2007 to 2011, in which he played Frank Morrison (known as "Grandad"), a character who suffers from dementia.[3] The character appeared in series 1 and 2. Ryall reprised his role in the Christmas specials in 2009 and 2011. On 26 December 2016 the Christmas special was dedicated to his memory.[6]

In 2010, Ryall portrayed Elphias Doge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.[6]

Ryall appeared as Dr Rant in the BBC One adaptation of the M.R. James ghost story The Tractate Middoth as part of the 2013 edition of A Ghost Story for Christmas. He also appeared briefly in 2013 as an old soldier in the BBC Drama Our Girl starring Lacey Turner,[7] and he was cast in the BBC Drama The Village as Old Bert, Britain's oldest man who recounts his long life through a series of flashbacks.[3]

Ryall's last appearance was in Call the Midwife, in which he played Tommy Mills. This episode was aired on BBC One on 1 March 2015 and was dedicated to his memory in the closing credits.[8]

Personal life

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Ryall had one son, Jonathan (1966), and one daughter, Imogen (1967), born from his first wife, Gillian Edison, and another daughter, Charlie (1986), from his second wife, Cathy Buchwald.[9] He died on 25 December 2014 aged 79.[9][10]

Filmography

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References

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David Ryall

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David Ryall (5 January 1935 – 25 December 2014) was an English renowned for his extensive work in , film, and television over five decades, with a particular distinction for his comic and dramatic roles at the National Theatre and in popular screen productions such as the franchise and the Outnumbered. Born David John Ryall in , , he attended local grammar schools before winning a to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), from which he graduated in 1963 after receiving the Caryl Brahms Prize. Early in his career, Ryall joined the National Theatre Company in 1965 under , where he spent eight years establishing himself as a versatile performer in productions including The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1966) and (1968). He later appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company, notably as in (1997), and took on leading roles such as in 2014, shortly before his death from cancer. Ryall's screen career complemented his stage work, featuring in television series like The Pallisers (1974), The Singing Detective (1986), and the House of Cards sequels To Play the King (1993) and The Final Cut (1995), as well as films such as The Elephant Man (1980) and Quartet (2012). He gained wider recognition in later years for portraying the wizard Elphias Doge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) and the endearing grandfather in Outnumbered (2007–2014). Personally, Ryall was married three times—first to Gillian Eddison in 1964, with whom he had a son and a daughter; secondly to Cathy Buchwald in 1985, with whom he had another daughter; and thirdly to Penny England in 2003—and he remained active in the industry until his passing at age 79.

Early life and education

Birth and upbringing

David John Ryall was born on 5 January 1935 in , , . He was the only child of John Ryall, a clerical worker for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (), and his wife Gladys. Ryall grew up in during his early years, where he attended Shoreham Grammar School. During his adolescence, the family relocated to Wallington in , and he continued his education at .

Dramatic training

In 1962, at the age of 27, he secured a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), marking his entry into professional dramatic training. Ryall's training at RADA spanned from 1962 to 1964, culminating in his receipt of the Acting Diploma. During this period, he demonstrated exceptional talent by winning the Caryl Brahms Award for his performance in a musical production.

Career

Stage career

David Ryall joined Laurence Olivier's National Theatre company at in 1965, where he remained a member until 1973, contributing to a range of innovative productions during this formative period for British theatre. His early roles included appearances as a and attendant in Tom Stoppard's (1967), a landmark debut that helped establish the play's success. He also performed in key ensemble pieces such as Tom Stoppard's Jumpers, Peter Shaffer's The Royal Hunt of the Sun, Peter Nichols's The National Health, and Carl Zuckmayer's The Captain of Köpenick, showcasing his versatility in both classic and contemporary works. Following his initial tenure, Ryall maintained strong ties to the National Theatre, returning for significant revivals and new plays. In Richard Eyre's acclaimed 1982 production of , he portrayed Nicely-Nicely Johnson, bringing comic energy to the musical's ensemble of gamblers and hustlers. Later, in Michael Frayn's (2003–2004), he played the shrewd politician , earning praise for his nuanced depiction of post-war German politics in the Cottesloe Theatre premiere. Ryall's stage career extended beyond the National Theatre to collaborations with other major institutions, including the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1990s. He delivered memorable Shakespearean interpretations, such as in Sir Peter Hall's production of (1994), noted for its wry intelligence and praised by contemporaries like . In 1996–1997, as in the RSC's , he brought a bumbling yet affectionate depth to the role during an international tour, earning a for the . In one of his final stage appearances, Ryall took the title role in a production of at the Cockpit Theatre in 2014. These performances underscored his enduring contributions to British stage acting, blending precision with subtle humor across decades.

Television and film roles

David Ryall's television career gained prominence with his leading role as Norman in the ITV series Lytton's Diary (1985–1986), a centered on the cutthroat world of . In this production, created by and starring , Ryall portrayed a key amid the intrigue of , marking an early showcase for his ability to embody authoritative yet nuanced figures. Earlier, he appeared in the period drama The Pallisers (1974) and portrayed the publisher Sir Martin Moore in the House of Cards political trilogy (1990–1993). Ryall developed a strong presence in recurring television roles during the and . He played the patriotic pub landlord Eric Bamford in the time-travel Goodnight Sweetheart (1993, series 1), appearing in multiple episodes opposite and providing comic relief through his World War II-era steadfastness. Later, from 2007 to 2011, he portrayed Grandad Frank Morrison in the Outnumbered, depicting the character's advancing within a semi-improvised family dynamic; his performance was noted for its poignant blend of humor and pathos in the chaotic household setting. In film, Ryall contributed memorable supporting performances that highlighted his versatility in both dramatic and fantastical contexts. His earlier film work included a supporting role in David Lynch's The Elephant Man (1980). He appeared as George, a ghostly ensemble member, in Anthony Minghella's romantic fantasy Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990), adding wry observation to the story of grief and reunion. In the family adventure Black Beauty (1994), directed by Caroline Thompson, Ryall played the carriagemaker, a role that underscored the film's themes of animal welfare and human-animal bonds. His most internationally recognized film part came as Elphias Doge, the elderly friend of Albus Dumbledore, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010), where he delivered lines at Bill and Fleur's wedding with a characteristic twinkling charm. Ryall's extensive television credits also included notable guest appearances across prestigious series. He portrayed the whinging hospital patient Mr. Hall in Dennis Potter's acclaimed BBC miniseries (1986), contributing to the layered narrative of psychological turmoil and musical fantasy. In the ITV detective drama (2002–2015), he appeared as Dr. Henderson in the episode "Among the Few" (2003), supporting the World War II-era investigations led by . His final on-screen role was as Tommy Mills in the BBC period drama , filmed in 2014 for series 4, episode 7, which aired posthumously on 1 March 2015; in it, he depicted an elderly resident facing health challenges in 1960s Poplar.

Personal life

Family and marriages

David Ryall was first married to Gillian Eddison in 1964. The couple had two children: a son, Jonathan, who works as a music manager, and a daughter, Imogen, a singer and . They divorced in 1984. Following his divorce, Ryall married Cathy Buchwald in 1985. They had one daughter, Charlie, an actress known for roles in films such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. The marriage ended in divorce in 2001. In 2003, Ryall entered his third marriage, to Penny England, which continued until his death in 2014. Public information on Ryall's family dynamics remains limited, with the actor maintaining a private life focused on supporting his children's pursuits in music, acting, and management while pursuing his own career.

Death

David Ryall died on 25 December 2014 in , , at the age of 79. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed, although he had undergone earlier in the year while performing in a production of . His death was announced by his daughter, actress Charlie Ryall, via on 27 December 2014. Tributes quickly followed from colleagues and institutions with which he had worked extensively, including the National Theatre, which highlighted his distinguished contributions to British stage acting over decades. Actor and writer described Ryall as "a twinkling, brilliant, wonderful actor" and a personal friend. Ryall's final on-screen role was as Tommy Mills in the BBC series Call the Midwife, with the episode (Series 4, Episode 7) airing on 1 March 2015 and featuring a dedication to his memory in the . A private funeral was held, and no details about his health had been shared publicly prior to his passing.

Awards and legacy

Professional honors

David Ryall received the Clarence Derwent Award for Most Outstanding Supporting Performance in 1985 for his portrayal of Sicinius Velutus in the National Theatre's production of , directed by Peter Hall and starring . This accolade highlighted his skillful depiction of the tribune's manipulative authority, contributing to the production's critical success during its run at the Olivier Theatre. In 1999, Ryall earned a nomination for the Helen Hayes Award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Non-Resident Production for his role as Polonius in the Royal Shakespeare Company's touring production of Hamlet, directed by Matthew Warchus. His nuanced performance as the meddlesome counselor during the U.S. tour underscored his versatility in Shakespearean supporting roles, earning recognition from the Washington, D.C., theater community. Ryall's extensive tenure with the National Theatre, spanning from 1965 under Laurence Olivier's leadership through multiple decades, brought him lasting recognition as one of its most distinguished character actors. His contributions during the Olivier era included key roles in premieres by playwrights such as Tom Stoppard and Peter Shaffer, establishing him as a reliable ensemble member whose comic timing and dramatic depth enriched the company's repertoire. The theatre's artistic directors, including Olivier and Hall, valued his adaptability, as evidenced by his repeated casting in high-profile productions like The Royal Hunt of the Sun and Guys and Dolls. Among other accolades, Ryall's performance as in Peter Hall's 1994 production of at the received high praise from fellow actor . Industry publications, including obituaries in major outlets, frequently cited Ryall as an exemplary whose understated excellence supported leading performances across stage and screen, cementing his reputation in British theater circles.

Posthumous recognition

Following his death on Christmas Day 2014, David Ryall received widespread tributes from colleagues and family, who highlighted his versatility as a across stage and screen over five decades. , the actor and writer known for co-creating Sherlock, described Ryall as "a twinkling, brilliant, wonderful actor I was privileged to call a friend," emphasizing their personal connection and his professional excellence. His daughter, actress Charlie Ryall, urged remembrance of his extensive theatre career beyond high-profile television and film roles, noting his recent performance as at the Cockpit Theatre despite undergoing chemotherapy. Ryall's legacy was further honored through dedications in posthumously aired television episodes featuring his final performances. The March 1, 2015, episode of (Series 4, Episode 7), in which he portrayed Tommy Mills, concluded with a dedication to his memory, acknowledging his passing two months prior. Similarly, the 2016 Christmas special of Outnumbered, where Ryall had played the recurring role of Frank Morrison in earlier seasons, included a dedication to him, reflecting the show's ongoing appreciation for his contributions to the family comedy series. These tributes and dedications underscored Ryall's enduring impact on British theatre and television, with peers like theatre critic Michael Coveney praising his ability to deliver compelling performances even in challenging circumstances, such as his wheelchair-bound interpretation of that served as a "powerful and original coda" to his career. No formal posthumous awards were conferred, but the immediate outpouring of affection from the entertainment community affirmed his status as a respected ensemble player whose work continued to resonate.

References

  1. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/david-ryall-celebrated-stage-actor-who-later-gained-wider-recognition-in-the-harry-potter-franchise-and-the-sitcom-outnumbered-9949112.html
  2. https://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/obituary-david-ryall-actor-1516874
  3. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11315187/David-Ryall-obituary.html
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0752379/bio/
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/dec/28/david-ryall
  6. https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/obituaries-harry-potter-actor-david-ryall/30880173.html
  7. https://www.rada.ac.uk/profiles/david-ryall/
  8. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/mar/19/david-ryall-laurence-olivier-theatre
  9. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-30615934
  10. https://catalogue.nationaltheatre.org.uk/calmview/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Performance&id=157
  11. https://catalogue.nationaltheatre.org.uk/calmview/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Performance&id=518
  12. https://theatricalia.com/person/80b/david-ryall
  13. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2003/sep/10/theatre
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0159889/fullcredits/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0159889/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069596/fullcredits/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098813/characters/nm0752379
  18. https://goodnightsweetheart.fandom.com/wiki/Eric_Bamford
  19. https://outnumbered.fandom.com/wiki/Frank_Morrison
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080678/fullcredits/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103129/fullcredits/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109279/fullcredits/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0926084/characters/nm0752379
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0582080/fullcredits/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4781741/
  26. https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/david-ryall-hbj6dfh39tz
  27. https://deadline.com/2014/12/david-ryall-dies-harry-potter-the-village-1201337261/
  28. https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/tributes-paid-to-actor-david-ryall_36834/
  29. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054z6hp
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659140/
  31. https://www.westendtheatre.com/248062/news/awards/clarence-derwent-awards-uk-west-end-awards/
  32. https://playbill.com/article/nominees-announced-for-15th-annual-helen-hayes-awards-ceremony-may-3-com-80364
  33. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/28/david-ryall-tributes-pour-in
  34. https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/film-news/harry-potter-reunion-cast-death-22613989
  35. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/bbc-outnumbered-cast-celebs-go-24588028
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