Actor in Beatles films Victor Spinetti dies

The Welsh star, who appeared in a string of acclaimed movies as well as taking roles in the West End and on Broadway, had been battling pancreatic cancer. He died in a hospice in Monmouth, his agent said.

Among visitors during the past few days were close friend Barbara Windsor, to whose Radio 2 show he made a recent contribution – one of his final engagements.

Spinetti’s agent, Barry Burnett, said: “He had cancer for a year, but he was very cheerful to the end. I spoke to him on Friday and he was talking about his plans and everything.”

The versatile actor was able to easily turn his hand from serious classical roles to comedy performances and roles in sitcoms. He has also been a successful stage director, wrote poetry and became known for his appearances in a Jaffa Cake ad campaign.

However, for many fans, Spinetti will always be known for his roles in The Beatles’ three live action films – A Hard Day’s Night, Help! and Magical Mystery Tour.

Spinetti was born in Cwm near Ebbw Vale and studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff but worked as a waiter before finding his feet as an actor.

He landed his role in the first of the Beatles’ films following the success of the London production of Oh! What a Lovely War which was seen by George Harrison and John Lennon, as well as the director and screenwriter for 1964’s A Hard Day’s Night, Walter Shenson and Alun Owen.

He hit it off with the group and they insisted he appeared in their subsequent films.

Spinetti went on to make more than 30 film appearances including The Return of the Pink Panther and Under Milk Wood with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

TV roles included Take My Wife and An Actor’s Life For Me, and in recent years he has been seen in BBC1’s New Tricks.