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Family's tribute to 'London's Burning' star

24/12/2002

THE family of Salford-born TV star James Hazeldine have paid tribute to the popular actor who died last week, aged 55.

Jimmy, as he was known, will be remembered for his role as 'Bayleaf' in the hit show 'London's Burning' and more recently played Detective Inspector Stan Egerton in the controversial 'Shipman' drama.

The actor, born in 1947, spent his childhood at Pevensey Road in Duchy and attended St Sebastian's School.

His first taste of the theatre was at the former Victoria Theatre in Broughton where he was stage manager.

Apart from a short stint at Prestwich Council, his real love of acting led him on to the Library Theatre in Manchester before joining the Royal Court and heading for the Big Smoke at the age of 16.

In 1971 he married his wife Rebecca and the couple had two children, Sam and Chloe.

Jimmy later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and played Troilus in 'Troilus and Cressida,' John Clare in Edward Bond's 'The Fool', and Alcibiades in 'Timon of Athens'.

He made his Broadway debut in 1984 as Sam Evans in 'Strange Interlude' with Glenda Jackson, and returned to New York as Harry Hope in Howard Davies's production of 'The Iceman Cometh', starring Kevin Spacey.

His films included 'Emma' in 1996, 'Business As Usual' in 1988 and 'Pink Floyd: The Wall' in 1983.

Jimmy fell ill on December 10, four days after beginning performances in the new Christopher Hampton play 'The Talking Cure' at the Royal National Theatre, in which he played Sigmund Freud.

He died just over a week later.

Jimmy leaves behind family who still live in Salford. A close relative told The Advertiser: "The family were and still are very proud of Jimmy's achievements. He was always mad about acting and he loved Shakespeare. When he left home at 16, he was just so determined to act.

She added: "Although he lived in London, he never forgot his roots and would always keep in touch. He was a wonderful man and would make everyone feel like they were his best friend."

Jimmy's funeral took place in London on Monday.