Vincent Friell dead at 64: Tributes to Still Game & Trainspotting star who shot to fame in film classic Restless Natives

STILL GAME and Trainspotting star Vincent Friell has died aged 64.

Scores of tributes have poured in for the actor, who starred in several iconic creations from Scottish film and TV.

The Glasgow-born star shot to fame for his role as Will, one-half of the tour-bus robbing Edinburgh duo in the legendary film Restless Natives.

He also went on to star as Diane's Father in the iconic film Trainspotting.

The star returned to Glasgow for a role in Still Game, where he played Craiglang property developer Chris who planned to shut down The Clansman in the episode "Who's The Daddy".

Scores of tributes have poured in from fellow actors and fans after the tragic news.

Restless Natives film writer Ninian Dunnett - who is also putting together a new stage show based on the film with the original director Michael Hoffman - said:  “I’m desperately sad to get this tragic news, he died far too early.

“We were blessed to find him for Restless Natives as he had a gift for that character - the romantic worrier with the world on his shoulders.”

“Vince’s lugubrious, doe-eyed, young face really is the spirit of the film to many people. And always will be.”

Ninian, 64, adds: “We’re going to be touring the stage musical round Scotland next year, and I’m more sorry than I can say that Vince won’t be with us to share in the nostalgia and the celebration.”

Rab C. Nesbitt creator Ian Pattison worked with Vincent when he appeared in the hit BBC sitcom in 1992.

Ian, 73, said: “Vince did us the honour of appearing in the Eorpa episode of Rab C. Nesbitt.

“His passing has come as a huge shock to his many friends and work colleagues.

“What comes over clearly is how respected Vince was, not only as an actor but as a funny, sensitive and caring human being.

“Condolences to Vince’s family at this very difficult time.

Two Doors Down star Alex Norton, 74 - who plays neighbour Eric Baird in the BBC sitcom - said: “I was sorry to hear that Vincent had died at such a young age.”

"He was a lovely guy. Very funny and a great actor."

Still Game star Jane McCarry

Jane McCarry, 54, who played Craiglang gossip Isa Drennan, appeared with Vincent in the 2005 Still Game episode Who’s The Daddy and the 2015 short film Jim the Fish.

She said: “I’m very sad to hear Vincent has passed away. He was a lovely guy. Very funny and a great actor.”

Former radio presenter Ronnie McGhie shared a touching tribute to the star.

He said: "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.";

Another fan said: "Dear Vincent Friell you were so great. Funny as anything and a really clever actor. Such a loss."

A third posted: "Vincent Friell R.I.P Brilliant Actor lovely man. Loved you work & meeting you over the years my friend."

Film director Carter Ferguson said: "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 Restless Natives, for which he was so famous.

"What a legend."

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