His man cave at his bungalow in Perth featured a clutch of comic book memorabilia. But on Boxing Day he was up there on stage. Cheeky smile. “Andy fought like hell,” says Tamara Kennedy. He knew he couldn’t fail to be funny.”, Tamara Kennedy, Andy Gray’s partner of six years, (previously an actor, now a BBC TV announcer) underlines how the comedy star brought so much colour to others’ lives. But the plan didn’t last too long.”, Had the teenage Gray discovered girls? Predator' for director Paul W.S. “ Now, I mumble at the best of times, but I really did back then. Scottish perspective on news, sport, business, lifestyle, food and drink and more, from Scotland's national newspaper, The Scotsman. And he liked to paint his pinky purple. Of course, he didn’t. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Andy Gray is survived by Tamara, Clare and granddaughter Anna. Actor Allan Rich died on August 22 aged 94 following a battle with dementia. |  He was certainly the love of my life and we were going to be married this year. Why would he even have begun? They smile up at us as they roll around under brightly coloured toys or clothed in soft and stylish babywear. Was that child-like essence, that unwillingness to dwell too long on the overly serious, that youthful energy one of the reasons he lifted the spirits of so many? The act is usually performed with a utility knife or a piece of broken glass, leaving a … At the third attempt, he gave up on me and yelled ‘Go off – and come back on again.’ So I had to walk out the fake door, knock, and do it all over again. All the latest Glasgow news, Celtic, Rangers and other sport plus fashion, showbiz and opinion from the Glasgow Times. Yet, Andy Gray wasn’t simply a Perth boy with funny bones. The comedy actor, one of the greatest Scotland, and indeed Britain,has ever produced, offered a clue at the end of our first interview. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. |  His young mind took a little detour however. Tragically, this dedication – and unalloyed, uncontained love for his craft could have played a part in ending his life. Portrays two different characters, in two very different genres, who has his wife forcibly taken by another man, and who seeks his revenge, murdering his adulterous enemy, and then spitting on the corpse: He appeared in two Best Picture Academy Award winners: Born on the same day as Gladiator (2000) co-star Connie Nielsen. With Covid restrictions closing the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh this year, Gray and Stewart accepted an offer to appear in Milton Keynes. He never let the audience know how tired he was.”. And they join child models , female models and male models , in posing together as happy families to promote everything from home insurance and holidays to cars, interior decoration and garden furniture. Publicity Listings If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here. He loved to make people happy. “Andy had been through a few romances by this time,” she says, with a little hint of understatement in her voice. But like all our comic-book heroes he had the magical gift of making the rest of us feel that life goes on forever. ... Gwynplaine (of the aforementioned The Man Who Laughs), and The Dark Knight's Joker is commonly referred to as a "Glasgow smile" and is not a terribly uncommon humiliation injury by gangs. The Italian actress, 25, who stars opposite Liev Schreiber, 53, continued to shot scenes for her upcoming movie Across The River And Into The Trees in … The diaspora, broadly interpreted, contains all those known to have Irish ancestors, i.e., over 100 million people, which is more than fifteen times the population of the island of Ireland, which was about 6.4 million in 2011.It has been argued the idea of an Irish diaspora, as … After this trip, the gay rumors about Sam were eveywhere and Luke -an actor and writer- deleted ALL his SM. He adored his mother. But that panto was also cancelled, and when Gray returned home, he discovered he had contracted Covid. I am a spoilt so-and-so. “My wife summed him up perfectly,” says Stott. Tamara Kennedy, Andy Gray’s partner of six years, (previously an actor, now a BBC TV announcer) underlines how the comedy star brought so much colour to others’ lives. Tributes have been paid to much-loved Scottish actor and comedy writer Andy Gray following his death aged 61. But while Gray was the class clown, the actor was never less than committed to work. It doesn’t take a behavioural psychologist to tell you that here was a man, who even at 61 when he died from Covid-related illness, was still in no hurry to grow up. Flanagan portrayed Filip 'Chibs' Telford, a stalwart member of the "Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club. Flanagan also stars in the Netflix series "Wu Assassins" from creator John Wirth and fight choreographer Iko Uwais ('The Raid 1 & 2'). “He was the most positive person I’ve ever met,” she says, choking back tears. That’s why he found it so easy to reach out to others, to make people feel special, on stage and off. The actor had all the time in the world. He got his famous scar when, walking home after a DJ gig, he was attacked by a group and cut with a knife. I tried again to get the line out, and still Leon said he couldn’t make out what I was saying. Clare was going to the celebrant, while his granddaughter Anna – the apple of his eye – would have been our flower girl.”, There’s little doubt that part of Andy Gray’s appeal – to women and men – was he wanted to be loved. With kohl-rimmed eyes and open curly hair, Pannu graced the snap with her radiant smile. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. His father ran a kilt shop. His commitment was incredible. TRIBUTES to Andy Gray have been flowing faster than the lines he delivered when playing a flustered Buttons in panto, ranging from “comedy genius” to “stage and television legend.” And they came from every corner of society. Trivia (98) David Tennant is a respected classical actor who has performed numerous starring roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company, including Touchstone in "As You Like It," Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet," Antipholus of Syracuse in "The Comedy of Errors," and Captain Jack Absolute in "The Rivals.". What inspired this universal love for the actor who would weaponise arched eyebrows and glum expressions to defeat the most recalcitrant of audiences? The scar if often referred to as the 'Glasgow Smile' in Scotland which is his homeland. He wore a Batman dressing gown backstage. In his twenties, Flanagan made his living as a DJ for local dance clubs and during this time, his friend Robert Carlyle, persuaded Flanagan to give acting a try. “Now, I was mortified but of course the audience were in fits of laughter.” At least it offered a possible title of his autobiography Go Off – And Come Back On Again? Gray certainly didn’t disappoint when in 2016 he joined the BBC’s River City, playing a likeable chancer who refused to grow up. It was no surprise when he went on to star with Borderline Theatre, causing thousands of sides to ache with his performances in the likes of Dario Fo’s Trumpets and Raspberries. The scar if often referred to as the 'Glasgow Smile' in Scotland which is his homeland. Get involved with the news in your community, This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. “I think you can safely assume that was a factor in surrendering his commitment to the church.”. Anderson, Miramax films 'Sin City' for director Robert Rodriguez, and Simon West's re-make of 'When a Stranger Calls', playing the pivotal role of the 'Stranger' terrorizing Camilla Belle, as well as playing the enigmatic hit man 'Lazlo Soot' in Joe Carnahan's 'Smokin' Aces'.In 2008, Flanagan joined Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman in FX Network's drama, 'Sons of Anarchy' , one of the highest rated shows for the network, running for seven seasons. I do miss Glasgow but Malibu is home now. Not surprisingly, in the early Eighties Perth Rep recognised his potential. “I met Andy about half a dozen times,” says Still Game star Ford Kiernan. “I think he loved the idea of it, the ceremony, the dressing up and having a guaranteed audience. “He gave so much to our lives. The term Irish diaspora is open to many interpretations. I just can’t believe he has gone.”, Tamara Kennedy is at least able to reflect on the “amazing time” she had with her partner. That is the worst thing an actor can do to his career in Hindi cinema. Andy knew people had paid to see him and he would never disappoint.”. “He was the bravest, most courageous, most dignified man I’ve ever known.” The pair had reconnected when working in Glasgow’s Oran Mor. Andy Gray never did write his memoir. But he also had a natural gift for comedy. He says he likes the rain and misery of Scotland over the sun of California. Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. That same year, Flanagan played the role of 'Cicero', the faithful retainer of Russell Crowe's character in the Academy Award-winning 'Gladiator' for director Ridley Scott. “And the memory will live with me forever.”. Annie remained a huge part of Andy’s life right up until the end. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, FAVORITES — fictional character edition, (May 1998 - Two facial scars, one on each side of his face, known as a 'Glasgow Grin' or a 'Glaswegian Smile'. But there’s another reason why Andy had the confidence to walk into a room and charm and entertain every person in it; he knew how talented he was. But his mother was a film fan and would take young Andrew and his sisters Michelle and Elaine to the cinema at every opportunity. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . Batman never dies, does he? Andy Gray had to become a performer, although there was nothing in his Perth background to suggest a career in theatre and television. Tommy Flanagan stars as 'Martin Connells' in the third season of HBO's "Westworld' starring opposite Evan Rachel Wood and Jeffrey Wright.Tommy Flanagan was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. Glasgow -1°c. Janice Graham, 58, was a healthcare support worker from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde became the first nurse in Scotland to die as a result of the coronavirus pandemic on April 6. Those who loved Andy Gray didn’t exit him from their lives, certainly not his ex-wife Annie, with whom he shared his adored daughter Clare (a gifted actress herself), both of who are close to Tamara. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Well-known for being a star of Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre Christmas pantomime each year, the performer was a regular at the Fringe as part of a double act with Grant Stott. “That’s so true,” said his close friend Grant Stott, who had been a fan of the comic actor before the pair met in the late 90s and would go on to become his panto partner. He created relationships that were unbreakable. But what of the man behind the make-up? “He could make the quietest person in a room seem special. “He was destroyed. “Andy would be in the wings, looking exhausted,” recalls Stewart. I live in the mountains of Malibu in the most gorgeous house and I phone my mum every day and tell her that I have got bad news - that it is only 70 degrees here. And Gray loved the idea of it; a chance to work a new audience, a chance to be with one of his best pals and enjoy a few glasses of Prosecco. Andy Gray during a break in rehearsals for a play at Oran Mor, Glasgow. “Andy entertained the idea of becoming a priest,” says Grant Stott, smiling at the mere thought of it. Andy Gray’s wardrobe was filled with Batman t-shirts. Picture: Martin Shields. The complete events listing for Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City Halls and Old Fruitmarket. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? The experience had also revealed – besides a need to speak a little slower and a lesson in humility –that Gray’s metier was comedy. People who met Heughan at British theatre, say that Sam was openly gay before Starz contract: [quote]Knew him in the theatre scene back … Tamara added; “In terms of my relationship with Andy, I think it was just lucky timing when we met up again after all those years and found ourselves falling in love. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. “The Inspector has to knock on a door, enter a drawing room and introduce himself to the suspects,” he recalled, grinning. Acting never crossed my mind for a moment when I was growing up. He could win over the most difficult audience with a smile, or the mere use of a word, such as ‘ba-lloon!’ Only Andy could get laughs out of two syllables.”, Gray could also connect immediately with those outside of the showbiz bubble. “A few years back, Andy’s mum died on Christmas day,” recalls Grant Stott. It was no surprise to anyone in the industry when the BBC’s Comedy Unit snapped him up to appear in Naked Radio, Naked Video and as Chancer in Bob Blacks’ Eighties sitcom classic, City Lights. Flanagan's endearing portrayal once again earned him praise and recognition.Flanagan continued creating memorable roles and working with talented directors in films including 'Trauma' opposite Colin Firth, New Line's 'All About the Benjamins' opposite Ice Cube, 20th Century Fox's 'Alien vs. Official Sites. Gray once told me a story when, as a raw 21-year-old he landed the lead in psychic murder melodrama, An Inspector Calls. “I’m so glad to have had these years with Andy,” she says, in tearful voice. “Although we didn’t get to together romantically until a few years ago, I’ve known Andy for decades, having met him when we did panto together in Inverness – Red Riding Hood, The Sequel. Our Facebook feeds ... “Not only was he an exceptional actor and entertainer who brought so much joy to so many people, he was an extraordinary man. “But as soon as his cue came to take the stage he’d brighten up and give it his all. Actor Jack Black can be seen with these in a wide number of photos. It was the most fun I’ve had in my life because he created such a wonderful atmosphere.”. Portrays two different characters, in two very different genres, who has his wife forcibly taken by another man, and who seeks his revenge, murdering his adulterous enemy, and then spitting on the corpse: Braveheart (1995) and Sons of … Vijay Deverakonda won’t make that mistake.” Yash is busy brushing up his Hindi to avoid what the iconic French director Jean Luc Godard described as half a performance when we see one actor and we hear another. Gray and Gerard Kelly proved an incomparable pairing, the chums going on to star together on the panto stage and in productions such as The Odd Couple. A diamond geezer.”, Allan Stewart agrees. - IMDb Mini Biography By: When he saw Sean Connery star as James Bond the realisation dawned that you could be Scottish and become a successful actor. “He was funny, warm and so honest it was really hard not to like him. The actor had a bone marrow transplant (donated by his sister Michelle) and when he returned to panto with Grant Stott and the third leg of the comedy trio, Allan Stewart, Gray missed only one day’s work of the 82-show run. A Glasgow smile (also known as a Chelsea smile, or a Glasgow, Chelsea, Birkenhead, A buck 50 or Cheshire grin) is a wound caused by making a cut from the corners of a victim's mouth up to the ears, leaving a scar in the shape of a smile..