RIP: Roger Lloyd Pack

Speaking at a Stop the War meeting

I was sorry to hear of the death of comedy actor Roger Lloyd Pack yesterday. Much will be made of his roles in Only Fools and Horses and The Vicar of Dibley but, I suspect, less will be made of his support of many left wing causes, such as Stop the War, CND, the People's Assembly (campaigning against the coalition's austerity measures) and, more recently the No Glory campaign challenging the government's interpretation of the First World War.

He, like a number of other actors, saw the importance of speaking out on wider political issues. And, also like a number of other actors, was derided in the media as a left wing 'luvvy' out of touch with the realities of everyday life. I think this was the opposite of the truth. He was one of the celebrities who backed campaigns that challenge government policies because they feel that their abilities and talents can be used to give a louder voice to the people who are directly suffering from these policies. Roger was extremely modest and very much part of the campaigns which he supported. I never met him but, as a fellow traveller on a number of issues, I was aware of what he did behind the scenes, well away from the glare of publicity.

His talent as an actor was not in doubt. Nor was his humanity and commitment. He will be missed by many, not least those involved in the causes he espoused.