[Sticks]

From the BBC news site Rumpole star McKern dies




Actor Leo McKern, who played the TV barrister Rumpole of the Bailey, has died aged 82.
He had been ill for some time and died at a nursing home near Bath, Somerset, where he had lived, according to his agent.

McKern was moved to the nursing home a few weeks before his death, and had suffered from diabetes and other health problems.

His career spanned more than 50 years - from acclaimed Shakespeare stage roles to playing Clang in The Beatles' 1965 film Help!

But it was as the blustering barrister Horace Rumpole in the TV series, written by John Mortimer, that he became a star around the world.

"Leo McKern's Rumpole brought entertainment and delight to many millions," a spokeswoman for the Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, told BBC News Online.



His great achievement was to create a lawyer the world could love

Geoffrey Robertson QC
"His character was well-loved and showed a human side of the legal profession that is often missing in most television dramas. I doubt if anyone would be able to replace him."

A private family funeral will be held, according to his wife, actress Jane Holland.

Born in Sydney, the actor was able to turn his hand to comedy, the classics and serious contemporary parts with ease, and became famed for his commanding stage presence.

Actress Patricia Hodge, who starred opposite McKern as Phyllida Trant, described working with him as "one of the greatest learning experiences I have ever had".

"The example he set was not just as an actor but as a man. In both he was a great listener and sublimely humorous," she said.

"He took his work seriously but never himself. We shall all miss him."

Geoffrey Robertson QC said: "His great achievement was to create a lawyer the world could love.

"Rumpole of the Bailey was television's first and perhaps only truly Dickensian character."

McKern moved to the UK at the age of 26 and spent several years with London's Old Vic theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company despite early difficulties such as a glass eye and an Australian accent.

He made his film debut in 1952, and went onto take acclaimed roles in films including A Man For All Seasons in 1966, Ryan's Daughter in 1970 and The French Lieutenant's Woman in 1981.

He also starred cult sci-fi TV series The Prisoner.

He first filled the role of the colourful, quick-witted Rumpole in 1975, and was persuaded by Mortimer to continue as the character for seven series, the last of which was made in 1992.

Writing in 1994, Mortimer said McKern was "shapeless, lovable and could make you laugh and cry".

Reconciled

"His acting exists where I always hope my writing will be: about two feet above the ground, a little larger than life, but always taking off from reality," he wrote.

Despite having to be persuaded to return to the role, McKern once said: "With Rumpole, one comes to be reconciled to the fact that it isn't half a bad thing to be stuck with."

His last film role was a small part in 1999's drama The Story of Father Damien, and he last appeared on a West End stage in 2000.

McKern had two daughters, Abigail, also an actress, and Harriet, and had one grandchild.
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I kind of grew up watching Rumpole of the Bailey, a ver sad day