James Laurenson has died at the age of 84. He was best known for his works in Coronation Street, The Crown, Fathers and Sons and Treasure Island.
He made his film debut in 1969 in Ken Russell’s Women In Love. James then made history when he appeared in Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II, playing Piers Gaveston opposite Sir Ian McKellen and performed television’s first gay kiss in 1970.
The actor also appeared in Coronation Street as Reverend Peter Hope. He also enjoyed playing leading roles in the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
Other credits include Bergerac, Lovejoy, Taggart, Prime Suspect and Midsomer Murders. He appeared as the Earl of Westmoreland in the BBC adaptation of Henry IV in The Hollow Crown.
In 2016, he made his Netflix debut as played the role of the royal physician Sir John Weir in The Crown. He also did a lot of radio work, including a role in Radio 4’s 1991 adaptation of Jamaica Inn.
Fans have begun to pay tribute to the actor with online messages. One person said on X: “Very sad to hear that James Laurenson has died. He was a wonderful actor and I count myself lucky that I saw him at the RSC a few times. He seemed like a gentle soul. His way with words was exemplary, giving feeling and resonance to pretty much any script he worked with. RIP.”
A second person said: “I’m very sorry to hear that superb actor James Laurenson has died. I saw him many times over the years on stage, and even if I did not much fancy the play, if his name was on the cast list, I bought a ticket. I was never disappointed. RIP.”
