Vincent Friell, actor in TV and such movies as Trainspotting, has sadly died at the age of 64 as tributes emerge online.

When somebody passes away, it’s always important to make sure their life and achievements are celebrated. Of course, when an actor has been in more than a handful of memorable movies and TV shows, the task of commemorating a career is made all the more easier, despite mourning a tragic loss never itself being easy in the slightest. It has been announced that Scottish actor Vincent Friell has recently died, and tender tributes are coming in.

Scottish actor Vincent Friell has passed away at 64

The passing of actor Vincent Friell was announced by his agent on Tuesday, April 16th 2024, with friends, family, and fans compelled to look back through his life and work.

He’s arguably best known for the Scottish movie Restless Natives. Directed by Michael Hoffman and released in 1985, Vincent starred in the central role of Will ‘The Wolfan’, one of two youths who decide to hit the road and begin robbing tour buses while decorated in fancy dress masks.

It’s a cult classic, and speaking of classics, Vincent had a small part in one of the most iconic films of the ’90s: Trainspotting. Directed by Danny Boyle, the adaptation of the Irvine Welsh novel of the same name starred Vincent as Diane’s dad, Diane being the girl central character Renton (played by Ewan McGregor) spends the night with after clubbing.

Other movies include 2012’s The Angels’ Share (he played Procurator Fiscal) and 2011’s Fast Romance (Sean Gibson), whereas TV work included the BBC comedy show Still Game (Chris Howden) and parts in the cult classic comedy Rab C Nesbitt and detective drama Taggart.

Tributes come in for Trainspotting star Vincent Friell

An assortment of tributes has already been shared in honor of Vincent, one regarding him as “an absolute gem of a man.”

“Very sad news,” a fan reacted to the tribute from his agent [top tweet] on X/Twitter. “Brilliant actor, lovely man. Loved his work and meeting him over the years.”

Among the tributes was a heartfelt message from Rab C Nesbitt creator Ian Pattison.

“Vince did us the honor of appearing in the ‘Eorpa’ episode of Rab C Nesbitt,” he recalled to The Sun. “His passing has come as a huge shock to his many friends and work colleagues. What comes over clearly is how respected Vince was, not only as an actor but as a funny, sensitive, and caring human being.”

Another tribute was paid by former radio host Ronnie McGhie. “I’m totally shocked to hear that Scottish actor Vincent Friell has passed away,” he began. “He was in many programs, but it’s his performance in the movie Restless Natives that he’ll be remembered for. A wonderful film. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Vincent, you shall be missed.”

A bunch of Restless Natives fans have taken to social media too. “Sad news about Vincent Friell,” one tweeted. “This will always be one of my favorite films”, accompanied by a still from the film.

“Forget your Easy Rider or The Wild One,” another reacted. “The classic motorcycle movie is Restless Natives. RIP Vincent Friell.”

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