TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Scots actor who starred in several of the country’s most loved productions.
Vincent Friell passed away on Sunday leaving behind a legacy on the silver screen as a star in multiple movies and television shows.
The 64-year-old appeared in cult hits such as Trainspotting and had a starring role in 1985 cult classic Restless Natives – which inspired Martin Compston’s podcast of the same name.
In later years, the Glaswegian would star in a who’s who of Scottish television shows appearing on Rab C. Nesbitt, Taggart and bagging a memorable role in a classic Still Game episode.
In the episode Friell starred as Chris Howden, a property developer, who wants to knock down much-loved local boozer The Clansman to erect a row of memorial cottages to his late mother Jenny.
This leaves Jack, Victor and Winston worried that Chris could be their illegitimate son as they all “knew” his mother.
It was his role as Will in Restless Natives that catapulted Friell into the limelight of Scottish film and television though, with the film still beloved after nearly four decades.
Liam Rudden, who starred with Friell in Michael Hoffman’s cult classic took to social media yesterday to share the news.
He wrote: “Sad to read that Vincent Friell, a star of the brilliant movie Restless Natives, has died aged 64 – first film I ever appeared in. RIP.”
Fans rushed to social media last night following the sad news to pay their respects to one of Scotland’s most well-respected stars.
Johnny Beskow said: “That’s so sad to hear.”
Bev Adger said: “Such sad news, taken too soon – I was literally talking about Restless Natives last week – RIP Wolfman.”
Patrick Stratford said: “Gutted to hear – he had a fantastic screen career in Scotland, he was in a few Taggarts, had a short stint in Take the High Road playing Natalie Robb’s schoolteacher and a memorable guest appearance in Still Game.”
Stevie Gilroy said: “Sad news, my favourite childhood film.”
