Andrew Hall (actor) facts for kids

Andrew Hall (born January 19, 1954 – died May 20, 2019) was a talented English actor and theatre director. He became well-known early in his career. He played Russell Parkinson in the popular BBC comedy show Butterflies. This show ran from 1978 to 1983.

Early Life and First Steps in Theatre

Andrew Hall was born in Manchester, England, on January 19, 1954. His father worked in computers. Andrew had two sisters. His family moved around the country. They eventually settled in Guildford, Surrey. There, Andrew went to the Royal Grammar School.

After leaving school at 17, Andrew got a job. He worked as a stagehand at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. This was his first experience behind the scenes. He then joined the Northcott Theatre in Exeter. He worked as an assistant stage manager there. Later, he became a stage manager at places like the Royal Court in London. After gaining this experience, he decided to train as an actor. He studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Acting and Directing Career

Andrew Hall had a busy career in both acting and directing. He appeared in many popular TV shows. These included Children's Ward where he played Charge Nurse Dave Spencer. He was also in Casualty as Frank Wilkinson. In 2011, he joined Coronation Street as Marc Selby. He even played the famous evangelist Billy Graham in a show called Nixon's the One for Sky Arts. He also appeared in the science fiction series Blood Drive.

Besides TV, Andrew was very active in theatre. He played Bill in the London production of Mamma Mia! from 2008 to 2009. While acting in Mamma Mia!, he also directed plays.

In 2011, Andrew directed the London premiere of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's play Haunting Julia. He also directed Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Trafalgar Studio 2. This play starred Matthew Kelly and Tracey Childs. Many of his directed plays, like Haunting Julia, started at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. He also directed John Osborne's play The Entertainer there.

Andrew's work as a director included:

• Kindertransport (UK Tour)
• Haunting Julia (Riverside Studios)
• Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Trafalgar 2)
• Groupie, Romeo and Juliet, Entertaining Shaw, Macbeth (Vienna's English Theatre)
• The Collector (Almeida)
• An Evening with Gary Lineker (UK Tour)

His acting roles in theatre included:

• Out of Order (UK Tour)
• Blithe Spirit (York Theatre Royal)
• Timon of Athens (The Brix)
• Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard III, Hamlet (RSC)
• Noises Off! (UK Tour)
• Aladdin (Bury St Edmunds)
• Cinderella (Lyric Hammersmith)
• An Evening with Gary Lineker (West End)

Andrew also appeared in many other TV shows, such as:

• EastEnders
• Brookside
• Hollyoaks
• Doctors
• Holby City
• Birds of a Feather
• 2point4 Children
• Come Fly With Me

His film roles included:

• The Truth About Love
• Smile
• Moving On

Death

Andrew Hall passed away on May 20, 2019. He was 65 years old. He died from cancer. He was survived by his wife, Abigail, whom he married in 1977. He also left behind his mother, Mabel, his children, Kate and Josh, and his grandchildren.