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TONY
DOYLE
† January 27 2000
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Some deaths are unsurprising, even expected. Tony Doyle's was
like a kick in the stomach. We were just doing the deal with
his agent for his sixth outing as Brian Quigley in Ballykissangel.
Tony was the Jack Nicholson of British actors. A tough man to
do a deal with - he knew his worth - but once done, the most
consummate professional. However warm, convivial (and late)
the night before, Tony was always on set on time, spruce, bright
eyed and ready, without temperament or side. In an age when
some young actors mistake tabloid celebrity for talent, his
impeccable professional manners were an example. You didn't
mess with him. Who would want to? He always delivered.
In the l990s I was a privileged colleague through three years
of Between The Lines and five of Ballykissangel. The roles were
very different, but his subtlety, quiet authority and tart comedy
timing were the same.
As the bent detective and Machiavellian fixer, Deakin, he was
cold and cynical, a man who believed in nothing but enjoyed
life as a game of bluff and double bluff. As Brian Quigley,
the entrepreneurial fixer, he brought warmth and an understanding
of human weakness to the character. Rarely can a villain have
been so loved by so many. Quigley playing with his grandson
are scenes of great tenderness.
Tony was my kind of actor. Less was more, and you could never
catch him doing it. He had presence. It will take a long time
to fade.
Tony Garnett
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© World Productions 2000
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