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Oscar-winning director and former Grange Hill script editor Anthony Minghella has died suddenly, age 54. Some tributes now follow from cast members who worked on the show at the same time as Anthony, who oversaw some of the series' most controversial storylines in the mid-1980s Mark Savage, aka Gripper Stebson, writes: "What shocking news about Anthony Minghella! I had the good fortune of working with him, memories of a genuinely great bloke and learning from a true talented great. Anthony along with Kenny McBain joined Grange Hill in the very early 80s and gave Grange Hill its gritty storylines, especially the Gripper era and Lee McDonald's "Zammo" drugs storyline. It keeps being pointed out to me that Gripper is not on the Star File page. I would love to be included, I can either e-mail you a biog." Yes please Mark - we'd love to add you to the Star File and I'll set the wheels in motion.Ruth Carraway, who played Helen Kelly: "Just wanted to say how absolutely shocked and saddened I am to hear the news of Anthony Minghella. I got on really well with him and feel so privileged to have known him - what a loss. I hope you are well Simon - sorry I've not been in touch before but always so busy - got a bit of time now because I am off work with bronchitis - great isn't it that the only spare time I have is when I'm poorly!! I had to get in touch as I am genuinely gutted about Anthony as I'm sure a lot of people are. Take care Simon." Malcolm Neale writes: "Very sad news about Anthony Minghella, I have just been reading the tributes on "Can You Help". He was obviously very much respected by the young cast members."
Kelly George, aka Ray Haynes, updates us on his current projects: "Thought I would drop you a line just to advise you what I've been up to just in case you want to update the GH web-site? I've recently been back in The Bill for the second time around as Sergeant Mike Grainger soon to be aired, and the best news is that I will be in the new Guy Ritchie film "RocknRolla" playing Danny alongside some greats such as Thandie Newton, Tom Wilkinson and Gerard Butler release date to be confirmed for 2008, there's a few projects on the go at the moment I will update you as soon as I can." Hi Kelly and welcome to GH Online! We saw your recent appearance in The Bill - will there be any more? And congratulations on your involvement with RocknRolla - we'll look out for that one when it comes out. Keep in touch!
Julie tours with her Naked Truth Andrew Startup has more news: "I have just received news that Julie Buckfield will be touring the UK and Ireland in The Naked Truth. The play concerns five women with Julie playing the role of Tricia. Dates can be found the Appearances page on Julie Buckfield Info or The Julie Buckfield Fansite." Thanks for that Andy; and if you want to see Julie see our Links page for details of the fan site!
I was in Series 3 Andrew Grayson would like to share his memories of appearing in Grange Hill: "Good evening. I have been talking to my children about having appeared in Grange Hill in the second series. I was an extra for the whole series, when it was filmed in the old Willesden High School. I remember two specific items; where a bike was stolen and we were in the hall being lectured to when Tucker Jenkins set off the fire alarm I do not remember having a character name, but I could be wrong. I do remember having some lines to say, and always did background shots. I also remember being in the big hall and having our photo taken, and I am pretty sure that Tucker Jenkins stood on my left. Hope this is of interest to you, I have never seen the episodes since they were originally broadcast, but intend to buy them to show my kids." Hi Andrew and thanks for your tales! If I may politely correct you, however, it was actually Series 3 you appeared in as Series 2 was filmed at Kingsbury High rather than Willesden. However, thanks for writing and enjoy the DVDs! |
ANTHONY
MINGHELLA: 1954-2008 
Ray
joins The Bill!