11/10/2021
James Inverne pens a tribute to the work of veteran gay and Jewish actor Sir Anthony Sher in the pages of this week's issue of community newspaper The Jewish Chronicle. Mr Inverne notes that Sher's husband Greg Doran currently heads up with Royal Shakespeare Company, and is on a sabbatical of leave to care for Mr Sher during his recently diagnosed terminal illness. He writes: “I’ve long felt his presence in my life. As a theatre-obsessed kid, I would pore over his published journal Year Of The King before I ever saw him act (not counting his hotel porter in Superman II). Back in 1984, I was nine and Sher was literally the poster-boy for British theatre - images of his dynamic, crutch-wielding Richard III were everywhere. His Royal Shakespeare Company performance won him an Olivier Award, sure, but more; it had seemingly adrenalised the entire theatrical establishment.”. Gregory Doran writes on the RSC Website: 'I am very sorry to say that my husband, Tony Sher, has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and in order to look after him, and with the agreement of the board, I will be taking a period of compassionate leave with immediate effect. I expect to return in early 2022.’ Sir Anthony Sher is considered one of the UK's best loved theatre and classical actors.