Vincent Friell, who is best known for his roles in Trainspotting and Restless Natives, has reportedly passed away at the age of 64.
Friell’s rep, Brennan Artists confirmed to The Herald the late actor died on April 14.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and client, Vince Friell,” Artists aid. “Who died unexpectedly in hospital with his family around him on Sunday 14th April.”
Artists then shared, “Above all Vince was an incredibly loving father, husband, and friend and we send our love at this difficult time to his wife Alana, and 2 children Connie and Jude. We ask they are given the privacy to come to terms with this sad loss.”
Writer of Restless Natives, Ninian Dunnett told The Herald it was a blessing to discover a young talent like Friell.
“I think we’re all rocked by this tragic news,” Dunnett shared. “We were just youngsters when we made Restless Native – and so was Vince – but we were blessed that we found him among all the unknown actors who read for us.”
Dunnett, who is working on an upcoming stage show inspired by the film, is sad that Vincent Friell won’t get to experience the project.
“There was a kind of stubborn innocence in those big brown eyes that I know even today people still think of as the lovable spirit of the film,” Dunnett added. “Vince has been in our minds a lot because we’ve been working on this new revival, and I’m desperately sorry to think that he won’t be with us for the fun and celebrations next year.”
‘Restless Native’ Podcast Host Gordon Smart Pays Tribute to Vincent Friell
British broadcaster and one of the hosts of the Restless Native podcast, Gordon Smart, announced the news about Friell’s passing earlier this week. “‘I held up buses!’” he quoted. “Goodbye, Vincent Friell, the Wolfman. Will from Restless Natives.”
Continuing to write about Friell, Smart stated the late actor made Restless Natives sing. He also played the role with a real sense of vulnerability. “His jelly pieces, the notion of going into hiding in Peniculk, and his love of Margot. Will was a special character, written beautifully by Ninian Dunnett and brought to life so well by Vincent.”
Smart then stated he and Vincent Friell never appeared on the Restless Natives podcast. “[Co-host] Martin [Compston] loved him in Still Game and his cameo in Trainspotting is a classic.”
Smart added it was a “sad, sad day” but he and Compston would keep Friell’s memory alive.
Born in 1960, Friell’s first credible acting job was in the 1983 TV mini-series Killer. Among his other acting credits include Fast Romance, The Angels’ Share, Still Game, and Tough Love.
His last acting role was in the 2015 short Jim the Fish.