SCOTTISH actor and comedian Johnny Beattie has died aged 93.
He passed away at St Margaret’s Hospice in Glasgow
Beattie was known for his role as Malcolm Henderson on River City and acted in shows including Rab C Nesbitt and Scotch & Wry.
Born in Govan, Beattie worked in the shipyards before becoming an actor in a career that spanned more than six decades.
During his career he was a stand-up comedian, panto dame and TV quiz show host on STV’s 1980s show Now You See It.
The actor scooped an MBE during his career spanning six decades.
In April 2015, he announced his retirement after working for more than 60 years.
Sharing the sad news on social media, Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre tweeted: “We have just received the very sad news that Johnny Beattie has passed away.
“Johnny was a great friend to the theatre and must have been one of the few last remaining performers from magical days of variety theatre.”
We have just received the very sad news that Johnny Beattie has passed away.
— Pavilion Theatre (@GlasgowPavilion) July 9, 2020
Johnny was a great friend to the theatre and must have been one of the few last remaining performers from magical days of variety theatre. pic.twitter.com/TJkF57a5Nu
Nicola Sturgeon also paid to tribute to Beattie on social media.
The First Minister tweeted: “So sad to hear that Johnny Beattie has died. He was a hugely talented performer and a truly lovely man.
“The photo here was taken at the Govan Fair a few years ago – he had us in stitches. Today, we’ve lost a national treasure, and my thoughts are with his loved ones.”
So sad to hear that Johnny Beattie has died. He was a hugely talented performer and a truly lovely man. The photo here was taken at the Govan Fair a few years ago - he had us in stitches. Today, we’ve lost a national treasure, and my thoughts are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Pz7F6V44sc
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) July 9, 2020
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