Yesterday in Switzerland, aged 82. I was introduced to Ustinov as a child, loved his sharp, but never cruel humour. Son of a German mother and Russian father, raised in London in the twenties and thirties, his accents and caricatures, his knowledge of human behaviour, his stories of the war, his gentle but profound humour, his skill with an audience - were all seminal gifts. He was loved by Europeans, adored by the Brits for making them laugh, admired by the Americans for his acting range and language skill - a truly world citizen. He brought dignity and intelligence to the role of fat man, and will be hugely missed.
In a serious role, his later performance as Suleiman in Ashanti was wonderful. His attitude to the military was comical and reflected my own, having served for 21 years. He wanted to go to war 'sitting down' as a tank driver. His understanding of the human condition, and the mechanisms of humour was extraordinary. Even his autobiography, entitled 'Dear Me', was comical.
It's 7am here right now. Ben is about to arrive for a design session on the DAKSA.....
Hugh
