Veteran actor and comedian John Sessions died of a heart attack at his residence in London on Tuesday. He was 67.
The late comedian was best known for his appearances in television shows, including Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Have I Got News For You and QI. Sessions has also played diverse roles in several films. One of his earliest films was Henry V, directed by Kenneth Branagh. He has also played Salerio in Michael Radford’s The Merchant of Venice in 2004.
His filmography also includes Made in Dagenham, The Iron Lady, Gangs of New York, Legend, and Florence Foster Jenkins. One of his final acting roles was in the 2015 television film We’re Doomed! The Dad’s Army Story, where he played the role of Arthur Lowe.
Several celebrities took to social media to pay tributes to the late actor and comedian.
British actor and comedian Stephen Fry wrote:
I’m already missing Johnny Sessions dreadfully. As warm, vulnerable, lovable and loving as anyone can be. And so so much talent. He could make me laugh until I was sick and dizzy with pleasure and exhaustion. I can’t bear that he’s gone.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) November 3, 2020
Shocked to hear that John Sessions has died at 67. Terrific company always and a true talent. His roles at the heart of this, my favourite radio series, have given endless pleasure to me and will continue to do so always. Travel easy, chum… pic.twitter.com/S4OHEUV3vR
— Danny Baker (@prodnose) November 3, 2020
Jeez. Another one. John Sessions. Just the best, he’d blow everyone away on Whose Line with his speed of thought & breadth of reference. Utterly absorbed by Hollywood, its characters and stories, brilliant raconteur, genius mimic. A flash of brilliance just went out.
— Rory Bremner (@rorybremner) November 3, 2020
RIP John Sessions – such an original force of clever wit and talent – the best smile – a port in a storm to all
— Helen Lederer (@HelenLederer) November 3, 2020
John sessions… was mega bright and funny.. that’s a great shame. RIP
— graham coxon (@grahamcoxon) November 3, 2020
Unbelievably sad news about John Sessions. He was a wonderful friend and mentor to me when I was starting my career. RIP XXX
— Charlie Condou (@Charliecondou) November 3, 2020
Bobby Ball and now John Sessions! Two very different performers who both absolutely inspired and delighted me at different times. Lovely, funny men.
— Robert Webb (@arobertwebb) November 3, 2020
Oh no. Very sad indeed #rip #johnsessions https://t.co/wGfjr3ysf8
— Lucrezia Millarini (@lucrezianews) November 3, 2020
The BBC show QI tweeted a clip of Sessions impersonating late actor Alan Rickman.
John Sessions was a panellist on QI’s first ever episode: Series A, Episode One, ‘Adam’. His incredible wit and encyclopaedic knowledge played a huge part in the show’s history and everyone at QI is deeply saddened to learn of his passing. pic.twitter.com/F1cxzcBRae
— Quite Interesting (@qikipedia) November 3, 2020
Sessions’ final onscreen appearance was a guest role in the first season of the comedy-drama series The Great, which aired earlier this year.
