Actor famed as stick-in-the-mud councillor David Horton

Actor Gary Waldhorn, who starred as Councillor David Horton in TV sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, has died at 78.

He appeared in 25 of the 30 episode of the comedy, playing an old-school Conservative councillor  who often clashed with Dawn French's vicar, Geraldine.

He also played Lionel in 1980s sitcom Brush Strokes and appeared in shows including Paul Merton in Galton and Simpson’s and Lovejoy. He was also a theatre stalwart and was particularly active with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

His son Josh said in a statement: ‘Classically trained, it was the theatre where he truly flourished and he leaves a legacy of entertainment that saw him frequent the boards of Broadway, the West End and our living rooms on the telly!’

In a statement, the BBC’s comedy deportment added: ‘Gary was an incredibly talented actor who is fondly remembered by us for his numerous appearances on some of the nation's most treasured BBC shows, and of course as Councillor David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley.

'Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.’

As well as his son, he leaves behind two grandsons, Cooper and Bayley.

Here is his – and French's – first scene in the Vicar Of Dibley:

Published: 11 Jan 2022