Hugh Armstrong

Hugh Armstrong (3 June 1944 – 26 January 2016) was a British stage, television and film actor. He is best known for his portrayal of the monster in the 1972 cult British horror movie, Death Line, and as Harry Wax in How to Get Ahead in Advertising, acting alongside Richard E. Grant. His obituary, written in the magazine of his old school by Clive Akass, stated that 'life was Hugh's theatre. He was a travelling entertainment and until the illness that marred his later years, and sometimes even then, he brought laughter wherever he went'. His next major role was playing the monster in Death Line alongside Donald Pleasence and Christopher Lee; his performance was said to have achieved the impossible by making a 'grotesque violent cannibal seem pitiful and sympathetic'.

Following his role in the 1972 film, Eagle in a Cage, Armstrong spent many years travelling the world, spending several years in India. He took part in a number of television series throughout the 1990s and his final role was in the 2007 TV movie, Stuart: A Life Backwards.

In addition to his work in film and television, Armstrong was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and later the National Theatre.

Armstrong died on 26 January 2016. In the magazine of Armstrong's old school, Clive Akass wrote: 'Life was Hugh's theatre. He was a travelling entertainment and until the illness that marred his later years, and sometimes even then, he brought laughter wherever he went'.

Filmography

Film Year Title RoleNotes 1989 How to Get Ahead in Advertising Harry Wax 1982 The Beastmaster Jun Priest 1972 Eagle in a Cage English soldier 1972 Death Line The Man 1970 Girly Friend in No. 5 1968 Prudence and the Pill Ted the chauffeur 1968 Tell Me Lies Guest

Television Year Title RoleNotes 2007 Stuart: A Life Backwards Old Drunk 2002 Barbara Wood: Hounds and Jackals Albert Rossiter 1999 Kiss Me Kate Dad 1989–98 The Bill Billy Baines (1989), Declan Keely (1998) 1993 London's Burning Ken Episode 6.7 1992–1993 Between the Lines Det. Supt. Alwyne (1992), Chief Whip (1993) 1993 Screenplay Police Inspector 1992 Tales from the Poop Deck Amos 1991 Minder Station Officer 1990 The Widowmaker Michael Finch 1989 Crime Monthly Det. Insp. Steve Hobbs 1971 UFO SHADO Mobile 3 Officer 1967 The Wednesday Play Nightclub guest