Belfast Actor Jimmy Ellis Dies

Belfast-born actor Jimmy Ellis, who played the father of a young Kenneth Branagh in the 'Billy' plays and starred in 1960s police drama Z Cars, has died at the age of 82.

Mr Ellis died from a stroke in Lincoln Hospital early on Saturday morning.

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "James Ellis was a remarkable talent and became a household favourite through his portrayal of Bert Lynch in the police series 'Z Cars' over many years. Equally at home on both stage and screen, James began his acting career at home in Belfast with the Ulster Group Theatre where, amongst other roles, he starred as Christy Mahon in J.M. Synge’s 'Playboy of the Western World'.

"Later he played the part of the father in the 'Billy' trilogy and his on screen performances were wide and varied. He never however forgot his Belfast roots and he will be greatly missed throughout the acting profession.

"James was a man of great character and was never afraid to tackle difficult issues as we witnessed with his direction of the Sam Thompson play 'Over The Bridge' in 1960, at a time when many believed that sectarianism, which the play addressed, was too controversial for a stage performance.

"I am deeply saddened by his passing and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."

Mr Ellis was born in Belfast on 15 March 1931 and studied at the city's Methodist College and Queen's University before joining the Bristol Old Vic, where he was appointed director of productions at the theatre in 1959.

He resigned in 1960 to direct and stage Sam Thompson's play Over The Bridge, which dealt with the issue of sectarianism in Northern Ireland.

His first big acting break came when he was cast as Bert Lynch in police drama Z-Cars.

James Ellis was awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen's University in 2008 for services to the performing arts.

According to his wishes, he is to be buried in Belfast City.

(IT)