Actor Kenneth Griffith dies

Published Monday 26 June 2006 at 10:55

The Welsh actor and documentary maker Kenneth Griffith has died at the age of 84.

He starred in more than 80 films including many of the Boulting Brothers comedies, such as I’m Alright Jack, Only Two Can Play and Heavens Above! He was also in many action movies including The Wild Geese (1978) and Who Dares Wins (1982). More recently he was seen in the hit comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

His numerous documentary productions, although steeped in controversy, won him huge international acclaim. His passionate denunciation of British imperialism in South Africa, Ireland and India led to a number of his efforts being banned and one blacklisted by the trade union BECTU’s forerunner, the ACTT.

His range of subjects included Clive of India, Cecil Rhodes, the life and death of Roger Casement, Ben Gurion, retracing the journey of the Magi, Thomas Paine, several on the Boer War and George Rex - about the rumour that the royal family are not the rightful heirs to the throne. His most famous production was Hang Up Your Brightest Colours, the acclaimed documentary about the Irish leader Michael Collins.

With extraodinary archival footage and newsreels of the time, the film is widely regarded as a landmark in television production but on its completion in 1972 it was banned for 25 years.

Griffith was born in Tenby, Pembrokeshire in 1921. He served in the RAF during the Second World War and gained stage experience with the Old Vic and in repertory.

He claimed he retired from acting 30 years ago but he was often in demand to make guest appearances on film and TV.

Known for his radical views, he remained a thorn in the side of the establishment.

In an interview with The Stage in 2001 he said: “I am totally blacklisted as a film maker by British televison. But I have a smile on my face because of the age that I am and the fact that I am old and doddery now.

“My documentaries have always been on important subjects and each one of them is more important than the entire outpourings of British television for a year

“I am an actor but what I am now is a Welsh Puritan preacher - I preach sermons about history through my documentaries.”

Griffith died at his home in North London on June 25, 2006.