The actor James Laurenson, famed for TV’s first gay kiss, has tragically died, encouraging fans and more to pay tribute.
One could argue that entertainment is one of the meanings of life. People wish to enjoy themselves, and movies and TV have provided countless hours of enjoyment. With this view, actors do a valuable service, affecting countless viewers in a variety of ways. When they pass away, a legacy is left behind. However, even with that in mind, not many actors are trailblazing enough to say they made history before they go. James Laurenson, on the other hand, was blessed with such brilliance…
Actor who had TV’s first gay kiss James Laurenson has died at 84
It has only recently been announced that TV and movie actor James Laurenson passed away on Thursday, April 18th 2024, at the age of 84.
The New Zealand-born star who was based in the UK got the attention of audiences when he played Reverend Peter Hope in a 1968 episode of the popular British soap Coronation Street.
Since then, he had gone on to land over 100 roles, most notably that of Piers Gaveston in a 1970 production of Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II. In it, he shared the first gay kiss that was ever shown on TV with Ian McKellen, star of The Lord Of The Rings (Gandalf) and the X-Men franchise (Magneto).
“We had a passionate kiss, James Laurenson and I, for which I’m always grateful, and it was broadcast by the BBC,” Ian told the BBC during a 2022 interview.
“The BBC wasn’t out to shock people or educate people,” he added. “It was just doing a play that had a big success at the Edinburgh Festival and two seasons in London. I think it’s the first play ever with a gay hero. Nevertheless, there it was, and I don’t remember anyone complaining.”
James’ importance cannot be underappreciated in that respect. However, his legacy extends far beyond that thanks to a range of parts. TV highlights include The Crown (Doctor Weir), Days Of Our Lives (David Helpern), The Shadow Of The Tower (Earl of Lincoln), Boney (DI Bonaparte), The Hollow Crown (Westmoreland), and Spooks (Sholto).
Movies then include One Day (Mr. Cope) and The Riot Club (College President).
Tributes are heartwarming nods to his work
Since the world learned of James’ passing, a range of people have taken the time to pen and share their tributes online.
“I got to direct James Laurenson in The Road to Mecca,” one of his former colleagues wrote on X/Twitter. “He was, to me, an intimidatingly Rolls-Royce actor in my early theater-going. James transpired to be every bit as lovely as he was luminously talented. What light he brought to our stages/screens.”
Another chose to highlight his valuable contributions to the horror genre: “Sorry to hear that James Laurenson, Raven the Shadmock in The Monster Club, has died. He had a long career, with genre roles in Hammer House Of Horror: Rude Awakening, Armchair Thriller: Quiet As A Nun, The Terror, Assault & as Quint in Dan Curtis’s version of Turn Of The Screw.”
“Great actor,” one also mourned. “Lovely, kind, educated, patient, man. Have never forgotten my year with you in Boney. My Alice will always love you, Napoleon.”
“The Monster Club,” another began to reminisce in a tweet. “Ah, such an important film in my life, and Shadmock especially. James Laurenson was a top quality actor and he will be missed.”