The Royal Shakespeare Company has paid tribute to Sir Antony Sher, honorary associate artist and husband of artistic director Gregory Doran, who has died from cancer.
RSC executive director Catherine Mallyon and acting artistic director Erica Whyman said, “we’re deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Greg, and with Antony’s family and their friends at this devastating time.
“Antony had a long association with the RSC and a hugely celebrated career on stage and screen. His last production with the company was in the two-hander Kunene and The King (in 2019), written by his friend and fellow South African actor, writer and activist John Kani.
“Antony was a widely exhibited artist and author of multiple books including the theatre journals Year of the King, Woza Shakespeare!, co-written with Gregory Doran, four novels including Middlepost, three plays, a television screenplay and his autobiography Beside Myself.
“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.”
RSC chair Shriti Vadera added, “Antony was beloved in the RSC and touched and enriched the lives of so many people.”
Sher was diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier in 2021, with Doran taking compassionate leave from his role in September to care for him. Doran remains on compassionate leave and is expected to return to work in 2022.