Obituaries

At the time of writing, the world of Hammer fans, are probably all still reeling from the announcement of the death of Oliver Reed. For those who've seen his work, I'm sure you will agree that his death is a tragic loss to us all. And yet we have all suspected that one day he would die at the end of a bottle. Ollie was brought to the front in Hammer's 1961 classic Curse of the Werewolf. Playing the unfortunate victim of the lyancothropic curse, his portrayal is nothing short of striking and moving. I'll review it elsewhere in due course. He made several other appearances for the company, but it will be that film which will go down as giving us Oliver Reed. What follows, is a short tribute to Oliver Reed:-

Whether one loved the man or disapproved of his childish antics, the death of Oliver Reed will not pass unnoted. The obituaries in the national press and television are full of records of the more sordid side of his personality. Traditionally death is a time to remember the good side of someone's life, not the bad. The press was not full of Diana scandals, for instance when the Princess was killed two years ago.

Oliver Reed was a superlative actor, capturing the attention of a wold of adoring female fans. In the late sixties as he reached in many ways his peak, he was something of a sex god and was rumoured to be the best paid British actor in the business.

I refuse to take the condemning side that some have, ridiculing the man simply because he insisted on the life of a cronic alcoholic, but his tragic death perhaps ought to remind us to take responsibilit for our actions.

No doubt, Oliver was only too aware that he would die from alcohol. He enjoyed the reputation it gave him, the lifestyle, the nonsense, the attention and so on. Although boastful of his drinking achievements (he is said amongst other things to have gone on a twoday binge before his second marriage and consumed 136 pints!).

He did what he wanted, and fair dues. The sad thing is, it robbed us of an acting talent, and Oliver of truly experiencing life.

Although he had been getting small roles in films for several years it was Hammer's 1961 masterpiece 'Curse of the Werewolf' which truly catipulted him to fame. The brilliant directorial work of Terrence Fisher and the superlative and captivating acting ability that Oliver displayed set him up as the great he is.

Michael Winner testified to Oliver's pleasant and professional form, having worked with him closely for many years. Oliver still was a remarkable actor as those who have seen his performances in Hammer films, or The Devils, Women in Love, The Four Musketeers etc, can say. He has even still a certain appeal, a wonderfully boyish charm hidden under those bloated features, and the occasional beard.

We will have to wait and see what becomes of the film he was working on 'The Governer', and whether his last role is representational of his talent.

Thats the thing I love about actors. So many of the greats seem to die woring, often after leaving us with a fond or poignant momento of them.

At only 61 we can feel robbed. My sentiments are with his family and friends, for they loved and stuck by him. He did as he pleased, and why not? Its just a shame it was so far away after yet another drinking binge (allegedly having just downed 10 pints and 12 vodkas).

Glenda Jackson, who worked with him on several occasions remarked that no matter what state he was in, as soon as the ime to work came, he was totally professional. These are words from someone who didn't even get on with him particularly well.

Ollie, we will miss you, but thanks for everything.

Robert Oliver Reed.

Born London 13 February 1938

Died Valetta 2 May 1999

to be buried in Cork, Ireland

 

© 1999 Robert J.E. Simpson (info@avalard.com)