Letter: A great actor and a very nice man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kjm4oXC6NA

Letter: It is very sad to learn of the passing of the wonderful Pete Postlethwaite at only 64.

This distinguished actor had a towering career in the theatre and television before cinema recognition in Terence Davies's Distant Voices, Still Lives.

In early 1994 I was chief projectionist at, what was then, the UCI in Telford and the cinema was contacted by Universal Pictures who said Mr Postlethwaite, who was Oscar nominated for the picture In the Name of the Father, would like to attend a public performance with his partner Jacqui and a group of friends.

I was designated to look after them and, when they arrived, the charming and completely unassuming Mr Postlethwaite greeted me with the completely unexpected remark that he enjoyed my humble efforts as film critic for BBC Radio Shropshire.

After a polite request as to where they could get a quick drink before the show, Pete and his party settled into their seats and quietly watched the performance.

He and Jacqui kindly sent us a note of appreciation for our efforts and he subsequently corresponded occasionally which I thought was quite remarkable.

Following this film, demand for his talent went global and he was to be found in Hollywood blockbusters for Steven Spielberg like Jurassic Park - The Lost World and Amistad.

He could alternate between the big budget Usual Suspects and Romeo and Juliet to modest English features like Brassed Off and Among Giants.

I suspect that some great names in the worlds of theatre and movies will pay tribute to the talent and kindness of Pete Postlethwaite but his own humanity seemed to extend to everyone lucky enough to meet him.

Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

Frank Aston

Albrighton