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Tributes are paid to comic actor Victor Spinetti

Tributes are paid to comic actor Victor Spinetti

TRIBUTES have been paid to the comic actor Victor Spinetti who has passed away aged 82.

The half-Welsh, half-Italian actor, had enjoyed a long career on stage, films and TV. 

He will be best remembered for his roles in the Beatles’ movies A Hard Day’s Night (1964), Help! (1965) and Magical Mystery Tour (1967).

His involvement with the pop group came about after two of the Beatles saw him perform in the West End production of Oh What A Lovely War (see below). 

Mr. Spinetti’s other films included Under Milk Wood (1972), in which he starred with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.  

His television work included voicing the character Texas Pete in the Super Ted  series.

The stage remained his first love and among his memorable performances was in Brendan Behan’s The Hostage in New York, and in the role of Felix opposite Jack Klugman’s Oscar in The Odd Couple in London.

For many years he also toured his one-man show A Very Private Diary in which he drew on stories from his long career.

His autobiography, Victor Spinetti Up Front, was published in 2006.

To view Mr. Spinetti talking about his work with The Beatles, click here.

 

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