Ken Campbell - R.I.P.

I can't let the passing of another of my heroes go unremarked. I was truly shocked to read of the death of Ken Campbell the other day at the age of only 66. Probably best known to the general public for TV roles in the likes of Brookside, In Sickness and in Health and Law and Order (the BBC series of the late 1970s, rather than the long-running US series), Campbell was a wild talent, writing, producing and appearing in weird and wonderful theatrical events such as The Warp. It's difficult to sum up Campbell, other than to say that he looked and behaved like a lunatic - in a good way. He nurtured the diverse talents of Bob Hoskins and Sylvester McCoy, amongst others, as well as inspiring may, many others. Perhaps the fact that his audition for the title role of Doctor Who was described by a producer as possibly the most disturbing thing he'd ever seen, stands as a perfect tribute to Ken Campbell's talents. (Needless to say, he didn't get the part, the producers eventually preferring Paul McGann). His inspired lunacy will be sorely missed in a world which increasingly seems to favour conformity of thought and behaviour. Innovative and intelligent, I ear that we shall not see his like again.