In Memoriam

[rusty_armour]

It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of the best and wisest Watson I have ever known: Edward Hardwicke. I think I can honestly say that I've enjoyed all the roles I've seen Edward Hardwicke play over the years, but, to me, he'll always be Watson -- my favourite Watson, in fact.

"" (Watch on YouTube)

It would be extremely remiss of me not to mention the very eloquent and moving tribute to
Edward Hardwicke that funkyinfishnet has posted on her LJ. You should definitely check it out.

Comments

[karen9.livejournal.com]

This is sad. I've never seen him act but from the pics he looks like a good Watson.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Many of the Granada episodes have been posted on YouTube. Edward Hardwicke's first episode as Watson was "The Empty House". Actually, that was the very first Sherlock Holmes episode I ever saw, which is kind of ironic considering that Robert Addie was in it and I didn't realize who he was because I hadn't seen Robin of Sherwood yet. *g* Anyway, I think Edward Hardwicke was an excellent Watson as he brought so much intelligence and heart to the role.

[funkyinfishnet.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I am so saddened by this news too. You have put it so perfectly. He truly was the very best of Watsons. And what a marvellous clip you chose too, so perfect. Oh infuriating Holmes and poor weary Watson. I love it.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Thanks, funkyinfishnet. :-) I'm so glad you agree with my sentiments about Edward Hardwicke. I'm also glad you enjoyed the clip. I've always found that particular scene very amusing and, as you say, it showcases their characters well.

[avictoriangirl]

Oh, this is so very sad. He was my first Watson and will always hold a special place in my heart. ♥

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad Edward Hardwicke will always hold a special place in your heart, avictoriangirl. :-) He was my first Watson too as I saw The Return of Sherlock Holmes before The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I know that my choice of favourite Watson does have a lot to do with nostalgia, but I honestly do think he is one of the finest actors to play the role.

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

Oh noes! I'm sad to read this news. I don't actively follow his acting career but a couple of weeks I spotted him in "The Gathering Storm" and I did have a little "Squee! It's Watson!" moment. :)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Well, to be honest, I don't actively follow his acting career either. It's just that he's popped up in a number of films and programs I've watched over the years. Of course, you've only known about Edward Hardwicke for a very short time, so it's possible that you've seen him in other things (besides "The Gathering Storm") and didn't realize it. In any case, I'm glad that Edward Hardwicke's role in "The Gathering Storm" gave you that "Squee! It's Watson!" moment. :-)

[crimsoncorundum.livejournal.com]

Oh, I didn't know about that. :( Though I've never really thought about who was my favorite actor playing Watson (however, if I was forced to pick a favorite character, I'd probably say Watson), I think I agree with you. When I remember 'Watson' it's usually in the form of Edward Hardwicke.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oh, I didn't know about that. :(

I wouldn't have known if it hadn't been for holmesian_news. When I saw the news, I almost wished I hadn't checked that day's update. :-(

Though I've never really thought about who was my favorite actor playing Watson (however, if I was forced to pick a favorite character, I'd probably say Watson), I think I agree with you. When I remember 'Watson' it's usually in the form of Edward Hardwicke.

I'd say that I'd ranked them because I've seen a lot of Sherlock Holmes productions over the years, but, in reality, it's because I'm a total freak. *g* In any case, it's nice to know that your mental image of Watson often appears in the form of Edward Hardwicke. :-)