As I begin
to write this short tribute to the late Paul Darrow, I can’t help but refer to
the character he made his own, Kerr Avon, the pragmatic computer wizard who
appeared to be always one step ahead of the totalitarian Federation.
Paul Darrow
was born in Surrey and from the age of eight, decided it was an actor’s life
for him. After briefly working in a solicitor’s office, he went to drama
school. During this time he shared a
flat with Ian McShane and John Hurt. After graduating he spent time working in
repertory theatre before landing a part in the TV series ,Emergency Ward 10,
which gave him a chance to learn the mechanics of television.
He appeared
in over 200 television roles including appearences in Doctor Who, The Saint and
Z-Cars, but it will be his role in sci-fi space opera, Blake’s Seven that he
will, of course be remembered.
I only ever
saw Paul Darrow in the flesh so as to speak once at a Cult TV event at a holiday camp
in Weston-Super-Mare towards the end of the nineties. He was charming, witty,
very entertaining and extremely likable. I know I’m bound to say that, but he
was. I can still remember him winding around the tables in the bar amongst the
assembled throng, wisecracking and generally being the life and soul of the
room. Everybody loved him, just like the fans loved his portrayal of anti-hero
Avon, arguably the most popular male character in the series.
“I’m not expendable, I’m not stupid and I’m not going”
I always enjoyed Darrows performances and the dry wit. His exchanges with ORAC were always interesting. He was very much a stronger character than Blake himself, especially in the second series, at the helm of the Scorpio. Yet another great star disappears from the sci-fi firmament, but he leaves behind a great legacy.
ReplyDeleteAvon will always be a very important character to me and he was very much the creation of Paul Darrow. I am very saddened at his passing.
ReplyDeleteA loss that will NEVER be replaced.
ReplyDeleteFarewell, Paul. Thank you for giving us Kerr Avon.
just bought the series on dvd - such sad news
ReplyDeleteI simply loved his character of Kerr Avon. He WAS Blake's Seven. RIP Paul, you will be MISSED.
ReplyDelete