"Grief hits us like tsunamis": Heartbreak for Richard E Grant
Actor Richard E. Grant has shared how his heart is breaking following the death of Joan Washington, his wife of 35 years.
Grant said he was overwhelmed by the support he received from fans, fellow actors, and loved ones.
“[We’re] overwhelmed by the messages of love, condolence & support we have received from loved ones and strangers from all over the world and the appreciation from actors Joan taught over the years,” the Posh Nosh star wrote on Twitter.
“Grief hits us like tsunamis as we try and put one foot in front of the other without her.”
Grant announced his wife’s passing on Twitter on Friday, sharing a video of him dancing with her to a song by the Platters.
“ONLY YOU! Joan - Love of my Life & Giver of Life to our daughter Olivia,” he captioned the clip.
“Our hearts are broken with the loss of your life last night. 35 years married & 38 together.”
“To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift. Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine.”
Washington worked as a voice and dialect coach with many Hollywood stars during her long career.
She worked with Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, and Vanessa Redgrace, as well as with actors on both Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.
Hollywood stars have since shared their tributes to the leading dialect coach, including Chastain.
“My heart is broken,” she wrote on Twitter. “Joan Washington had such a profound impact on me, yes, as an artist, but mostly as a woman. Every day I was excited to go to work and giggle with Joan.
“She was a barometer of truth with a wicked sense of humour. I loved her very much.”
Mad Max and The Favourite actor Nicholas Hoult shared a message thanking Washington for her kindness.
“I can never thank her enough for all her kindness, the lessons she taught me and the memories I’ll cherish,” he said.
Comic and actress Dawn French also paid tribute to Washington.
“Joan Washington will ALWAYS be remembered by those of us who knew her and were taught by her, as a PHENOMENAL WOMAN. So much love to Richard E. Grant and all the family,” French said.
Image: Richard E. Grant / Instagram