The actor Paul Ritter has died from a brain tumour, at the age of 54. Ritter, who starred as Martin in Channel 4’s Friday Night Dinner, died on Easter Monday (5 April 2021).
Also appearing in films including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Quantum of Solace, Paul died at home with his family by his side. He leaves behind his wife Polly and their sons Noah and Frank.
According to Guardian online, Ritter’s agent released a statement, which said: “Paul was an exceptionally talented actor playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill. He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. We will miss him greatly.”
Hugh Adams, Head of Stakeholder Relations at Brain Tumour Research, said “Our deepest condolences go to Paul’s family and friends following the devastating news that he has died from this terrible disease. Approximately 16,000 people each year are diagnosed with a brain tumour and unlike most other cancers, incidences of and deaths from brain tumours are rising. Just 12% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50% across all cancers.
“We are proud to be building a network of experts in sustainable research at dedicated Centres of Excellence whilst influencing the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more nationally, getting us closer to finding a cure.”
Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK that is dedicated to raising funds for continuous and sustainable scientific research into brain tumours and we are a leading voice calling for greater support and action for research into what scientists are calling the last battleground against cancer.
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