Famed Shakespearian actor William Hutt died of acute leukemia early Wednesday morning at a hospital in Stratford, Ont. He was 87.
Originally from Toronto, Hutt was admired across Canada and around the world for his portrayal of classic characters like King Lear, Prospero and James Tyrone -- winning a number of theatre awards in the process.
Throughout his career Hutt shared the stage with several other stage legends including Alec Guinness, Jessica Tandy, Peter Ustinov, Maggie Smith, Sybil Thorndike and John Gielgud.
However, one of his best-loved performances came in 1975 when he starred as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. In another favourite role, this time on television, Hutt portrayed Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, in the CBC miniseries The National Dream in 1974.
Funeral services will be held in Stratford at St. James Anglican Church. A date has yet to be announced.
For William...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your...
April 01, 2010
William has left behind a wonderful legacy for our beautiful city of Stratford. He will be remembered by everyone, not only for his theatrical talent but for what he meant to us to have him as a valued member of our community. A bright star ever to shine!!
Barbara Mabey
July 11, 2007 | Stratford, ON
William Hutt was an inspiration to us all - both on and off stage - and will be fondly remembered. A final farewell Mr. Hutt.
Carolyn Brown
July 10, 2007 | Strathroy, Ontario
Always a joy to watch. A shining star to be remembered in the dimness left behind.
Pam
July 09, 2007 | Brampton, ON
He did everything we always think we can't do. A Canadian actor who made his living acting primarily in Canada. A pacifist who risked the battlefield to save lives. An openly gay man when it was both scandalous and dangerous to be so. A great actor and a courageous person. We are better for having known of him.
David Armour
June 29, 2007 | Goderich, ON
William Hutt was a true acting inspiration
Laura MacDonald
June 28, 2007 | Antigonish, NS
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Don Durkee
June 28, 2007 | Aylmer, ON
"As many farewells as be stars in heaven,
With distinct breath and consign’d kisses to them,"
Lisa Hood
June 28, 2007 | Goderich, ON
I had a wonderful experience with this legend. I only met him once, but I got to sit down with him for a little over an hour in December of 2005 and talk about acting. He was 85 at the time. As a tribute to the memory of this great man, I wanted to post some of the things he said to me about acting and his life:
"You’re not going to be a different person because you can’t. People think they are, and if they actually think they are, they’re not acting, they’re performing. There are...
Scott Pietrangelo
June 27, 2007 | London, ON