Veteran film and TV actor is remembered

Best known for his roles in the Harry Potter series, ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ and ‘Outnumbered’, David died on Christmas day in Lancing, where he resided for the last ten years of his life.

“He was someone who was very passionate about everything,” said Imogen Ryall, his daughter. “He loved music, so I grew up listening to things like Sinatra.”

A jazz singer by trade, Imogen said she was heavily inspired by her father’s music tastes.

David was also known to be passionate about his work and would take Imogen along to his rehearsals.

“He didn’t have an ego which most performers have, but he loved being part of the company,” said the 47-year-old.

“He liked to have a good part but he wasn’t always interested in being the star,” she added.

One of David’s favourite roles was in ‘Democracy’, at the National Theatre.

“He was in a supporting role but he really enjoyed it,” she said.

Born in Shoreham in 1935, David and his family moved to Brighton Road, in Lancing, during the war. He later lived in Oxfordshire. It was only ten years ago that he returned to Lancing.

“He always loved the sea and he thought it would be a nice place to live again,” said Imogen.

A great fan and supporter of British comedy series ‘The League of Gentlemen’, David eventually played the character of Tom Tit in the film spin-off ‘The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse’ in 2005.

In 2010, he took over the part of Elphias Doge in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One’ after actor Peter Cartwright stepped down.

Most recently, he is known for playing Grandad in BBC’s ‘Outnumbered’.

David died at his home at the age of 79. He is survived by his three children, two grandchildren and widow, Penny Ryall.

“Penny was with him throughout,” said Imogen. “They were very happy together for more than ten years.”

His last performance was in ‘Call the Midwife’, which he filmed at the end of 2014 and is yet to be aired.

David also had a recurring role in British comedy, ‘Trollied’.