This is sad for all . He was such a versatile and brilliant actor. My first husband and I knew him well and had great fun when he was at RADA in the 60's. I still laugh at the memory of wheeling him home,somewhat the worse for wear, from a party, in my daughter's pram. (He was not very tall) . We tipped up the pram, to no avail, so had to take the baby out and leave him in there for the night. I get annoyed when he is mentioned in the press as "Star of the Elephant Man" as if it were the
only thing he ever did. He was one of the most prolific players and the star of
all the performances he did. RIP
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38778145