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Desmond Barrit obituary

Desmond Barrit, aged 81, has died, leaving a legacy as a leading stage character actor.
Barrit was best known for Falstaff at the RSC, with additional acclaimed work at the National Theatre.
He starred in The History Boys and The Habit of Art at the National Theatre, following Richard Griffiths’ lead.
Barrit also played the Wizard in Wicked across three West End stints and appeared in Stuff Happens at the National.
Barrit was born Desmond Brown in Morriston and changed his name to pursue acting.
He built a long theatre career with national and royal company productions stretching from the 1980s to the 2010s.
Critics highlighted Barrit’s voice and stage craft as defining elements of his performances.
Barrit’s career spanned television and film, but his stage work remained the core of his reputation.
He left a significant personal legacy with partner Byron Johnson and later life in Norfolk.
Barrit’s work included a notable Malvolio in Twelfth Night and a comedic Bottom in 1994 with the RSC.

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