British actor James Laurenson, best known for his recent role in The crown and for giving the first same-sex kiss on British television, he has died. She was 84 years old.
The actor forged a successful career in theater, film and television throughout his 50 years in the industry. He began acting in 1965 with small roles in The Wars of the Roses, Coronation Streetand Treasure Islandbefore landing his first film role in the 1969 feature film. Woman in love.
One of his most notable acting roles came in 1970, when he played Piers Gaveston in the television movie. Edward II opposite King Edward by Sir Ian McKellen. McKellen and Laurenson share a kiss in the film, marking the first same-sex kiss to occur on British television, just years after homosexuality was decriminalized in England and Wales.
McKellen has said that kissing Laurenson “was an advantage throughout the race,” according to Sun.
He later played the lead role in the 1972 television series. bony, in which he played Detective Inspector Bonaparte for 26 episodes. His television career continued for decades with appearances on Midsomer murders, current situation, MI-5And several more.
He was also a theater regular. In 2011, he was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Village.
By SunStephen Sondheim praised her performance, writing in an email, “When I found myself crying in the Ghost scene, I knew something special was happening to me (Mr. Laurenson receives my gold medal).”
Some may recognize it from Netflix. The crownin which he appeared in five episodes as Doctor Weir between 2016 and 2017. He continued acting until 2022, when he took on his last credited role in Matilda: The Musical.
Despite his prolific career in television and film, Laurenson spoke candidly about the nature of the industry. “You have to have a passion for acting. Hollywood can come to your door but, on the other hand, you can spend a lot of your time unemployed,” she said, according to the Daily entry.
According to The Sun, he is survived by his wife Cari Haysom and his son, Jamie, from his previous marriage to actress Carol Macready.
