Actor Ian Richardson Passes Away at 72

LONDON-Respected British actor Ian Richardson, CBE, passed peacefully in his sleep on Friday, leaving behind a stunning legacy of work on stage and screen. The news came from his agent, Jean Diamond. The death was sudden and unexpected; he had been in good health and due to begin work on an episode of "Midsomer Murders" shortly.

The gentlemanly thespian's television and film credits go back to 1963, when as a young member of the Royal Shakespeare Company he made his mark not only on stage but in televised adaptations of the Bard's work. Other notable theatrical work included the role of Henry Higgins in a revival of "My Fair Lady", drawing huge acclaim and a nomination for a Tony Award.

He is best remembered, however, for his role in the BBC television series miniseries "House of Cards", where as Francis Urquhart he brought a gallant, delicious malevolence to the slimy politician. Richardson's memorable portrayal of the Machiavellian Urquhart so seized audiences that even the political establishment was hooked on the series, to the point that John Major's campaign team would take breaks to see the show on Sunday nights. Other television triumphs included two portrayals of Sherlock Holmes and the 'Tailor' role in the spy thriller "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy".

Notable film roles in Richardson's storied career included Terry Gilliam's visionary "Brazil", where he played a fast-talking bureaucrat in a bizarre and frightening corner of the totalitarian government, and Alex Proyas' "Dark City", where as Mr. Book, the leader of a strange and terrfying alien force, his smooth, dark voice lent an extra air of mystery to every line.

Equally adept at leading and supporting roles, Richardson didn't need a big part to make a big splash. It's been years since the spot actually aired, but can anyone forget the near-iconic advertising catchphrase, "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" Richardson's pitch-perfect proper English gentlemen evidently captured something in popular imagination, and the ad is regarded as a classic even today, oft-parodied and recognizable even by those who have never seen it broadcast.