Andy Gray RIP
Panto pal dies
All Edinburgh Theatre is devastated to have to report the death of Andy Gray, the star of many King’s Theatre pantomimes.
Andy came to prominence in the 1980s when he stared as Chancer alongside Gerard Kelly in first BBC Radio Scotland’s Naked Radio and then its TV incarnation Naked Video.
Andy Gray (right) with Grant Stott in Willie and Sebastian for which he earned himself a Stage Award for acting excellence. Photo: Steve Ullathorne
Andy Gray was known to TV audiences across Scotland for his role as Pete Galloway in River City, joining the cast in 2016 until he had to leave suddenly in 2018, when he was diagnosed with the blood cancer MDS.
However, it was in his role at the King’s pantomime with Allan Stewart and Grant Stott that Andy became best known in Edinburgh. The panto triumvirate ruled, so far as Edinburgh audiences were concerned.
Andy Gray had more serious acting chops as well. In recent years he stared with Stott in several Fringe productions.
Acting Excellence
In 2015 he earned himself an award for “acting excellence” from the theatre world’s house magazine The Stage for his performance as William Donaldson in Willie and Sebastian at the Gilded Balloon.
Capital Theatres, which runs the King’s pantomimes Tweeted: “It is with enormous sadness that we have heard of the passing of our dear colleague and panto star, Andy Gray. We are still reeling from the news and are all absolutely devastated.
“We will all remember Andy with love, a smile and affection for the many years of fun, friendship and brightness he brought to all our lives and the entertainment he gave to so many generations of Panto’goers during his time at the King’s.”
laughs
Allan Stewart said: “Today a light went out in my life. My pal and panto partner Andy Gray has left the building.
“We have been working together for over twenty years and I will remember him for all the laughs we’ve had, on and off stage. He was loved bhy so many people and I will miss him with all my heart. As he always said: ‘Cheerybumps’ Andy.”
Grant Stott said: “Today I, like so many others, am coming to terms with hte4 loss of my dear friend, partner, Panto brother: Andy Gray. He was a huge part of every aspect of my life; personal, professional and family – he leaves a massive void that can never be filled.
“I count myself lucky that I was able to work and learn from him for more than 20 years and his support, generosity abnd encouragement to me has been an ever-present in all of that time.
“I will miss him terribly and, as heartbroken as I am, I know for a fact Andy would want us all to “remember he laughs” of which there were many, both on and off stage – and usually at my expense. Rest in peace my big china. x”
All Edinburgh Theatre is deeply saddened and shocked by this news. The King’s pantomime will not be the same without him.
ENDS
It really won’t be the same. But I remember how happy we all were when he came back in 2019 and there was literally a big song and dance about it. Lots of things to remember to make us smile. But very sad news.
A highlight of Edinburgh Special Schools’ year was the performance of the pantomime at the Kings theatre, you specially put on for us and Andy was a much loved part of that show. The world was a better place for his being in it, and a poorer place now he has gone. Sympathy to his family and friends and many thanks for the laughs he gave us.
A lovely man and a fabulous actor. A great loss.
Andy Gray Death 18 th January i miss u Prince charming his gave Perth I like him Barman frist