The much loved actor Richard Todd, star of The Dam Busters and The Longest Day, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Today his family paid tribute to his courage and dignity as fans looked back on his remarkable career.
Known for his striking looks and effortless charisma, Todd was the man Ian Fleming originally wanted to play James Bond. He spent his youth as an aspiring playwright but fell in love with the craft of acting and founded the Dundee Repertory Company in 1939. Ironically, it was playing a writer that he got his first lead role, in 1949's For Them That Trespass. In the meantime, he served in the army, among the first paratroopers on the scene at D-Day. This military experience helped him win the part of Cpl. MacLachlan in The Hasty Heart, for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
Todd played a lot of heroes, winning praise for his appearances as Rob Roy and Robin Hood. He took on the complex roles of Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights and Basil in Dorian Gray. He was also prolific in his television work, which included appearances in Doctor Who, Holby City, Murder, She Wrote and - in a memorable comic turn - Vic Reeves' reinvention of Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased).
Sadly, Todd's personal life was marred by tragedy. He was twice divorced and two of his sons committed suicide, something which he ascribed in part to the sense of hopelessness felt by many young people in a world where it can be difficult to achieve anything. Yet his own achievements were an example to many, and he was renowned for helping others to develop their film careers. Having continued to act right up until 2007, he will be fondly remembered.
