James Hazeldine, best known for his role as Bayleaf in London's Burning, has died aged 55.
The actor, who had recently begun playing Sigmund Freud in The Talking Cure at London's National Theatre, was taken ill on December 10. He spent several days in intensive care before dying on Tuesday, his agent confirmed today.
"It is rare that great charismatic talent and selfless warm generosity are found in the same person, but this was so with Jimmy Hazeldine," said Trevor Nunn, director of the Royal National.
"A leading actor of minutely observed truthfulness, comic brio and emotional daring, he was also a man of infectious enthusiasm, great warmth and humanity who was universally popular amongst his colleagues."
As well as the part in London's Burning, Hazeldine had a variety of roles in stage and film throughout his career, including Pink Floyd: The Wall in 1983, Business As Usual in 1998 and Emma in 1996.
