Dawn French leads tributes to late Vicar of Dibley star Gary Waldhorn

Gary Waldhorn, best known for playing Councillor David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley has passed away, aged 78.

Waldhorn appeared in every episode of The Vicar of Dibley as well as many classic British television shows such as The Sweeney, All At No 20, Hotel Babylon, and Brush Strokes.

The Vicar of Dibley mainstay died on Monday, January 10 according to his son Josh Waldhorn in a statement to the BBC.

“Classically trained, it was the theatre where he truly flourished and he leaves a legacy of entertainment that saw him frequent the boards of Broadway, the West End and our living rooms on the telly!” he said.

“He leaves behind his two grandsons, Cooper and Bayley and his son Josh. We will all miss him terribly.”

Dawn French who played Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley alongside Waldhorn paid tribute to her late co-star on her Instagram page. French shared a black and white photo of Waldhorn with a broken heart emoji.

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A post shared by Dawn French (@dawnrfrench)

Fans of both French and Waldhorn were quick to leave their own tributes to the late actor as well as messages of support.

“Oh no! I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sending so much love your way.”

“He delivered my all-time favourite line from ‘The Vicar of Dibley’: at the end of series 2, the simple word… ‘Stay’. What utterly perfect delivery.”

“RIP David Horton chairman of the Dibley Parish Council.”

“R.I.P. Gary (David Horton) Waldhorn a great loss too real comedy tv.”

BBC Comedy issued a statement where they paid tribute to Waldhorn, “who is fondly remembered by us for his numerous appearances on some of the nation’s most treasured BBC shows”.

“Gary was an incredibly talented actor,” the statement said.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”