James Hazeldine has died

James Hazeldine has died

James Hazeldine who withdraw from the National Theatre production of The Talking Cure last week has died.

He died yesterday having spent days in intensive care , his agent, Nicola van Gelder, said.

The 55-year-old was best known for playing Bayleaf in TV's "London Burning".

Trevor Nunn, director of the Royal National Theatre, said ``the whole profession will be shocked and distressed by this news.''

``It is rare that great charismatic talent and selfless warm generosity are found in the same person, but this was so with Jimmy Hazeldine,'' Nunn said.

``A leading actor of minutely observed truthfulness, comic brio and emotional daring, he was also a man of infectious enthusiasm, great warmth and humanity who was universally popular amongst his colleagues,'' Nunn said

He leaves a partner and two children in their twenties.