Sir Antony Sher dead: Acting legend, 72, dies just months after cancer diagnosis
Leah Stanfield
SIR ANTONY SHER has died just months after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
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Express.co.uk
Sir Antony Sher has died of cancer aged 72. He was diagnosed with the terminal illness in September. Antony is one of British theatre's most acclaimed actors and is best known for his work performing Shakespeare. Today, the Royal Shakespeare Company confirmed that he had died.

Acting artistic director, Catherine Mallyon, said: “We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and sincere condolences are with [his husband] Greg, and with Antony’s family and their friends at this devastating time.

“Antony was deeply loved and hugely admired by so many colleagues.

"He was a ground-breaking role model for many young actors, and it is impossible to comprehend that he is no longer with us. We will ensure friends far and wide have the chance to share tributes and memories in the days to come.”

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Antony joined the RSC in 1982 and appeared in productions including The Tempest, Macbeth and Othello.

In 1985, he won the Olivier Award for his performance in Richard III.

His last show with the company was in John Kani’s play Kunene and The King in 2019.

He also recently starred in King Lear, the Henry IV plays and Death of a Salesman.

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Sir Antony's appearances on the big screen include Shakespeare in Love, Mrs Brown and the film adaptations of Macbeth and The Winter's Tale.

Antony was knighted for his services to the industry in 2000.

His husband, Gregory Doran, RSC artistic director, had taken leave to care for Antony after his diagnosis.

In 2005, he and Gregory became one of the first gay couples to enter into a civil partnership in the UK.

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Antony was knighted for his services to the industry in 2000.

His husband, Gregory Doran, RSC artistic director, had taken leave to care for Antony after his diagnosis.

In 2005, he and Gregory became one of the first gay couples to enter into a civil partnership in the UK.

Gregory announced his husband's illness earlier this year. He said: "I am very sorry to say that my husband, Tony Sher, has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and in order to look after him, and with the agreement of the Board, I will be taking a period of compassionate leave with immediate effect. I expect to return in early 2022."

Upon hearing the news of Sir Antony's death, many have expressed their condolences on social media.

A spokesperson for the Shakespeare Institute tweeted: "All of the Shakespeare Institute community are deeply grieved to learn of the death of Sir Antony Sher, one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of our or any time."

Author Dan Rebellato said: "What a life, what a career. Actor, writer, artist. Antony Sher was extraordinary at all of those things. Richard III, The History Man, Primo Levi, King Lear. What a loss, but how lucky we were to have him for so long."

BBC's Katie Razzall added: "A titan RIP Sir Antony Sher."

Songwriter Gary Kemp echoed: "So saddened to hear about Antony Sher dying. One of the greats.

"Some of my most powerful theatre-viewing experiences were watching him perform, especially this incredible Macbeth that his husband Gregory Doran directed in 1999. Shers’ book, Year of the King, is a must for actors."