Vincent Friell dead at 64 as tributes flood in for Taggart and Trainspotting actor
Actor Vincent Friell had a number of roles in his lengthy career including Restless Native, Taggart and Trainspotting.
Taggart and Trainspotting star Vincent Friell has died aged 64, his agent has announced. Born in Glasgow, the actor shot to fame in the film Restless Natives playing Will, one-half of the clown masked bandits alongside Joe Mullaney.
Vincent went on to star in the original Trainspotting movie portraying Diane's (Kelly Macdonald) father. Additionally, the actor landed a role in Still Game, where he played property developer Chris who planned to shut down The Clansman in the episode 'Who's The Daddy'.
As part of his lengthy career, the actor has also appeared in the Ken Loach film The Angel's Share and has starred in a number of television shows including Rab C Nesbitt, Taggart and Being Victor.
Tributes have flooded in on social media following the news of his death. Former radio presenter Ronnie McGhie wrote: "I'm totally shocked to hear that Scottish actor Vincent Friell has passed away.
"He was in many programmes, but it's his performance in the movie Restless Natives that he'll be remembered for. A wonderful film. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Vincent, you shall be missed."
Director and producer Carter Ferguson typed: "I'm so sorry to hear that Vince Friell has passed away. What a lovely, funny, talented guy. He joined us on my feature film, @Fast_Romance.
A homage in many ways to films like #RestlessNatives, for which he was so famous."
A second commented: "Sad to read that Vincent Friell, a star of the brilliant movie #RestlessNatives, has died aged 64. #RIPVincentFriell #RIP."
Another typed: "RIP Vincent Friell," while a fourth wrote: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Vincent Friel. Loved him in Restless Natives, what a turn."
Don't Miss...
BBC's Clive Myrie bids sad farewell to colleague as Nigella Lawson shares 'loss' [LATEST]
BBC Breakfast fans say same thing as they 'switch off' over Liz Truss debate [REACTION]
GMB's Ed Balls addresses lengthy health issue as Susanna Reid raises concerns [WATCH]
After a brand new restoration was made of the 1985 film Restless Natives in 2021, Vincent reflected on his memories starring as Will.
The actor revealed that while many believed it was him and Joe driving the motorbike, they were in fact replaced by stuntmen after failing to control their driving.
He shared with the Daily Record: “Joe volunteered, if you like – I think he said he could ride a motorcycle or he was willing to learn. So they put me and Joe on the motorcycle.
“Joe revved the motorcycle. He went one way with the motorcycle and I fell off, went the other. And then that was it – ‘No, you’re not going back on the bike.’
He added: “The insurance people just said no. And that’s why they got a tall stuntman and a small stuntman and put them in masks.
"And people, still to this day, say to me, ‘That was amazing when you stood on the bike’, and occasionally I say, ‘I know it was’, but most times I say, ‘No, actually it wasn’t me’.”
In the same interview, Vincent said he had lost touch with his co-stars but had happy memories from the film.
He added: "I do remember that we laughed – laughed a lot – Teri [Lally] and Joe and I, because, you know, we were all the same age, kind of the same background. We did have a good time.”
