Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Gary Waldhorn death: Vicar of Dibley actor who played councillor David Horton dies, aged 78

His character chaired the sitcom’s parish council meetings

Jacob Stolworthy
Wednesday 12 January 2022 06:57 EST
Comments
David proposes to Geraldine in Vicar of Dibley

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Vicar of Dibley star Gary Waldhorn has died aged 78.

Waldhorn was best known for playing Councillor David Horton opposite Dawn French in the BBC sitcom.

His character was the chairman of the parish council.

Waldhorn, whose other credits include Brush Strokes, Lovejoy and Gallowglass, died on Monday (10 January).

The news was confirmed by his son Josh, who said: “Classically trained, it was the theatre where he truly flourished and he leaves a legacy of entertainment that saw him frequent the boards of Broadway, the West End and our living rooms on the telly!

“He leaves behind his two grandsons, Cooper and Bayley and his son Josh. We will all miss him terribly.”

BBC Comedy and his Vicar of Dibley co-star Dawn French paid tribute to Waldhorn, with the former: “Gary was an incredibly talented actor who is fondly remembered by us for his numerous appearances on some of the nations most treasured BBC shows, and of course as Councillor David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Gary Waldhorn as David Horton in ‘The Vicar of Dibley’
Gary Waldhorn as David Horton in ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ (Getty Images)

Waldhorn was a star of stage and screen, and performed many times as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He first starred in Vicar of Dibley in 1994, last playing David in 2015.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in