Actor and director Michael Burrell, who has been involved in Huntingdon youth projects for many years, died on Saturday.
Mr Burrell, who was 77, enjoyed an illustrious career in theatre and film in both the UK and the States - he was headmaster in Pink Floyd’s video from the album The Wall, the angel of death in The Arch of Triumph starring Anthony Hopkins, a clerk in A Tale of Two Cities starring Kenneth More and Carter in Les Miserables starring Anthony Hopkins.
He was also chairman of Natural High in Huntingdon, a charity working with disadvantaged young people in Cambridgeshire, and stood in a number of local government elections as a Liberal Democrat candidate.
He also starred as Rudolf Hess in Hess, the inspector in The Government Inspector, Mr Paravicini in The Mousetrap and Arthur Kipps in The Woman in Black.
His television credits included EastEnders, The Bill, Secret Army, Angels, Doctor at Large, Doctor in the House, Please Sir, Potter and Crimewatch.
Mr Burrell, who lived in Stukeley Meadows, Huntingdon, has also made numerous documentaries, did several voice-overs, wrote several plays and books, directed plays up and down the country and had been the honorary principal for the Angles Theatre’s school for the performing, technical and creative arts – Ratzcool, since 2010.
Gordon Thorpe, chairman of the Huntingdonshire Liberal Democrats Constituency, said: “It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of one of our leading local activists, Michael Burrell, who died in Peterborough Hospital last week after a short illness.
“Michael was an active supporter of the local Liberal Democrats in spite of having major commitments with the National Liberal Club as well as a host of other activities, both professionally as an actor and playwright, and as a key member of many local cultural and public service groups.
“As recently as May 22 he stood for election in Huntingdon West as a district councillor, a seat in which he had worked for many years even though the prospect of success was small.
“He will be greatly missed and we are grateful for the generous contribution of his time, experience and wisdom over many years.”
Mr Burrell’s funeral takes place next Wednesday (July 9) at All Saints Church, Huntingdon, followed by committal at Cambridge Crematorium.
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