Desmond Barrit, known for roles in Holby City and Midsomer Murders, has died at the age of 81. His death was confirmed through online tributes from production companies and fellow actors.
Barrit played Raymond Clandillon in the tenth season of ITV's Midsomer Murders in 2007, and appeared as Aubrey in BBC One's Holby City. The National Theatre paid tribute, calling him a 'generous and joyous man' who brought 'sublime talent and massive heart' to his work.
Screenwriter and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies remembered Barrit as a 'great man' who rose from pantomime dame in Swansea to perform at the RSC, the National Theatre, and as the Wizard in Wicked in the West End. Davies noted Barrit's guest role in It's A Sin as a Tory diner.
Born in Swansea, Barrit's early roles included Humpty Dumpty in Alice Through the Looking Glass in the late 1990s. He played Shylock in The Merchant of Venice at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2003, and later returned to the role of Hector in The History Boys at Wyndham's Theatre. In 2014, he appeared as Michaud in Therese Raquin at the Theatre Royal in Bath.
