Edward Hardwicke (1932 - 2011) RIP

[Matt Laffey]

"It is with a heavy heart that I..." write of the passing of Edward Hardwicke beyond the Reichenbach Falls. Sherlockians will forever remember Mr. Hardwicke for his portrayal of Dr. Watson in Granada TV's Sherlock Holmes across from Jeremy Brett which ran from 1984 to 1994. Everyone has their favorite 'Watson', but it's certainly not a stretch to argue that Hardwicke (who replaced David Burke after the first season) is one of the best Watons (tied with Burke usually).

 

Hardwicke's death came to my attention via Twitter this morning and there has been a consistent stream of twitter and blog remembrances throughout the day. I propose using this thread to list the various articles as well as a place for people on here to post their personal thoughts on the man who was Watson.

"Flickerd and Went Out" [HOUN] from Baker Street Blog.

Edward Hardwicke RIP from Alistair Duncan's Sherlockian Blog.

'Sherlock Holmes' actor Edward Hardwicke dies at 78 from Reuters.

Edward Hardwicke (1932 - 2011) RIP from Always 1895 (my blog).

Edward Hardwicke Obituary from The Telegraph.

 

I look forward to reading everyone's posts.

[Edward Hardwicke (1932 - 2011) RIP]

 

 

 

 

[Darlene Cypser]

A great actor. A great Watson. He will be missed.

[Paul R. Spiring]

As some of you know, I was lucky enough to meet Edward Hardwicke on several occasions over the past few years. He was a conspicuous supporter of both the U.P.T. and the campaign to award a posthumous BAFTA to his long-time friend, Jeremy Brett. More importantly, he was a genial, modest and absorbing character that brought much pleasure to countless millions in the guise of Dr. John H. Watson. Edward Hardwicke and Jeremy Brett are now reunited 'Beyond the Reichenbach Falls'! R.I.P.

[Bella]

another article: http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/local/9035154.Actor_Edward_Ha...

[Paul R. Spiring]

I enclose a link to my own personal tribute to Edward Hardwicke (click here).

[Valérie Lahaie]

HE PASSED AWAY!!!!???? I didn't know that! Recently, he played in a movie of Hercule Poirot with David Suchet! Was it "The Hollow"? Anyway, it's a shock. I thought he was in good health. Since when did he have cancer? And cancer of what, exactly?

[Colonel Moran]

I'm sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great actor and played a fine Watson. He will be missed. My condolences go to his family and friends.

[Matt Laffey]

I put together a few of the more complete obituaries as well as some other articles of note (plus Paul Spiring's tribute) and pics as a post today for my blog's Friday Links (dedicated to Edward Hardwicke this week): 

http://always1895.net/post/5663625397/2011-links-may14-may20-hardwi...

[Matt Laffey]

Martin Freeman Honours Late Sherlock Holmes Star Edward Hardwicke 

(23 May 2011 08:07)

"Now Freeman, who co-starred with Hardwicke in 2003 movie Love Actually, hopes he can continue [Edward Hardwicke's] legacy with his current role as Watson in hit U.K. series Sherlock.

[Freeman] says, "He was a great Watson, they were really good adaptations, it was great television.

"I found out when a friend texted me while we were filming the second series of Sherlock, and I texted him back and and said hopefully I'll pick up the torch."

[Valérie Lahaie]

But we still don't know what kind of cancer he had... gosh, he must have suffered a lot. What a terrible disease (even though we know there is no pleasant disease in this world). I'm sad to know he'll never see his 79th birthday...

[Nick Kitt]

An excellent Watson !!!  A man who brought intelligence and dignity to  a most difficult role. He, of course, joins David Burke and Martin Freeman as actors who have strived to insure that the image of John Watson remain that of a trustworthy,faithful,and intelligent companion to one of literature's most demanding personalities. Well done, Edward, and thank you.

 

Now, do yourselves a favor and watch Edward show you how it's done in THE ADVENTURE OF THE EMPTY HOUSE, THE ABBY GRANGE,and,of course, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES.....

[Valérie Lahaie]

What is that show where he explains that?

[Violet Hunter]

So sorry to hear of the death of Edward Hardwicke. He was a top-notch actor who played with great subtlety, yet was a modest and self-effacing man  --  an unusual combination. He was also, going by Jeremy Brett's report, a selfless and kind person and a loyal friend. He picked up Brett (who died in 1995 at age 61) from the "nut house" where Brett had been treated for bipolar disorder, drove him home, and hung out with him, sharing a meal and tea, until he was sure Brett was doing alright. He then returned to his own home and family.

 

Brett was very grateful for this attentive friendship, and also for Hardwicke putting up with his wild mood swings. I've often wondered why Hardwicke took on the nurturing role, rather than Brett's three grown children (two of them were step-children), and older brothers  --  although I know Brett went to great lengths to conceal his illness from his family. But he was well aware of Hardwicke's willingness to drop everything at a moment's notice to help his old friend and acting partner.

 

I don't know whether Hardwicke or David Burke was the best Dr. Watson of the Granada series; I would give Hardwicke a slight edge, although Burke had the advantage of working with Brett in the first 13 episodes, before physical and mental illnesses so changed him.

 

Luckily, as a "filmed" actor, Edward Hardwicke leaves a rich legacy for us and future viewers to enjoy.