Actor Tom Beard dies of cancer, aged 50

BRITISH actor Tom Beard – who starred in Bridget Jones’s Diary and Holby City – has died, aged 50.

Tributes have been paid to Tom who died of cancer – which had only been diagnosed in January of this year.

Tom’s agent, Rebeccas Blond, said: “He was a truly glorious man and a wonderful actor and we shall miss him beyond words.”

He most recently starred in stage productions such as Hotel at the National Theatre, Tusk Tusk at the Royal Court and King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse.

And Michael Grandage, who directed King Lear, tweeted over the loss of Tom, writing: “Farewell to the great Tom Beard. A wonderful man and a wonderful actor. We will miss you.”

Actor Samuel West from BBC’s Hollow Crown also expressed his sadness over the loss of his on-screen co-star: “One of the kindest of men and the most truthful and generous of actors.”

Tom acted in films that included 2011’s Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, alongside Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt.

He also appeared in the hit movie, Bridget Jones’s Diary and in popular TV series Holby City and Wallander.

Tom’s breakthrough performance on stage was in 1994 in the West End when he played a role in Peter Hall’s Hamlet.

He leaves behind a wife and 2 children.

OK Magazine