Celebrities have paid tribute to actor Ronan Vibert who has died at the age of 58. The actor, who was born in Cambridgeshire but grew up in the Vale of Glamorgan, was known for starring in films such as Saving Mr Banks, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, as well as the 2017's psychological thriller The Snowman.
He was also known for starring in TV shows such as The Bill, Poirot and BBC sitcom Gimme, Gimme Gimme. Mr Vibert died on Thursday, December 22 in a hospital in Florida. His manager Sharon Vitro told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor had contracted a brief illness, although no more details were given.
Following his death, English actor Jason Watkins described the fellow actor as "inventive" on Twitter. He said: "So sad that my friend Ronan Vibert has died. Numb. The youngest in our year [Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]. He was unique. Saw things differently - so inventive... Wonderful times with him. Too young… Love to Jess and his family".
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Comedian Kathy Burke also shared her tribute to the actor. She tweeted: "Just heard about the death of lovely Ronan Vibert. We first worked together at Manchester Royal Exchange back in the 80s. We had great times together. Our favourite was seeing The Pogues, Glasgow Barrowlands on Paddy’s night. Oh, how we jumped."
Actor Richard E. Grant said that he was shocked to hear the news about his friend. On Twitter, he said: "Woke up to the shocking news that my friend and fellow actor Ronan Vibert has died. We first worked together in THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL at the end of the last century."
According to the BBC, his passion for acting began after he took part in productions at Stanwell School in Penarth, including playing the title role of Dracula. One school friend said: "He had a huge career, but his performances in those school productions have really stayed with us. In Dracula, when all we saw was a claw-like hand coming out of the stage curtain, he nearly finished off half the audience."
He then went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. More than 30 years later, he would revisit the vampire legend with a part in the 2014 film Dracula Untold. Ronan Vibert is survived by his wife, Jess.
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