The actor Peter Howell is well remembered as Dr Peter
Harrison in 107 episodes of the UK soap Emergency Ward 10 (1957 onwards.) He
used to get letters from fans asking for advice on professional healthcare,
which of course he wasn't qualified to give. Later he was Saruman in the
BBC radio version of Lord of the Rings (1981 with Ian Holm as Frodo
Baggins and
Michael Hordern as Gandalf) and was very supportive when I was much later
recruited to Middle-earth.
In 1964 I had shared a dressing-room with him,
during my first play in London, A Scent of Flowers: and after just a few
months he entrusted me to be godfather to his new daughter Tamara. We had
bonded over politics. Peter was a staunch Labour party supporter, the sort
of dedicated party member who diligently attends constituency meetings,
organises committees and stirs up sluggish voters at Election time. He
couldn't do that this year, as he lay frail in his bed at Denville Hall.
where many a distinguished actor ends his days. He died there in his sleep
last night.
His life was dedicated to making the world a fairer place:
fairer in both senses. He was appalled at social injustice and he loved the
beauty of the arts. So he supported our union Equity at every turn and
typically, almost single-handedly, he raised the funds to build a Thamesside
theatre near his home in west London, Watermans Arts Centre. So he has
a worthy memorial.
— Ian McKellen, London, 21 April 2015
Ian McKellen and Peter Howell, Wimbledon 23 October 1964, before matinee of 'A Scent of Flowers.'
