Richard E. Grant has today announced the death of Joan Washington, his wife of 35 years.

Grant, known for playing roles in films including "Withnail And I" and "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", said Washington, a voice coach, died on Thursday night.

The cause of death remains unknown at the time of writing.

A video was shared by Richard on Twitter with a message that said: “ONLY YOU! Joan – Love of my Life & Giver of Life to our daughter Olivia.

“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.”

Grant, 64, also shared a series of broken heart emojis, prompting condolences and messages of support from his followers.

 

 

He and Washington married in 1986 and share a daughter, Olivia, and a stepson, Tom, from Washington’s previous relationship.

In a joint interview with the Independent in 2011, Grant recalled them meeting for the first time.

Gazette & Herald: Joan Washington with husband of 35 years, Richard E. Grant. (PA)Joan Washington with husband of 35 years, Richard E. Grant. (PA)

He said: “I met her at the Actors’ Centre in London. She was wearing a boiler suit and had fairly short, cropped hair and Kicker shoes, and was chain-smoking, which I thought was insane.

“She was teaching an accent session with a bunch of actors, and I thought she had the most wonderful voice and huge, sort of monkey eyes. She seemed fairly frenetic.

“I thought that she was really cute and all that. It was December 1982.”

Tributes and kind messages sent to Joan Washington's family

Social media is flooded with kind messages from fans and celebrities alike.

Actress and comedian, Dawn French tweeted: “Joan Washington will ALWAYS be remembered by those of us who knew her & were taught by her, as a PHENOMENAL WOMAN. So much love to @RichardEGrant & all the family.”

 

 

Eva Pope, who appeared in Coronation Street, tweeted: “Oh my heart aches for you….deep condolences Richard. She taught me in that very house..”

Comedian Sarah Millican tweeted: “I’m so sorry for your loss, Richard. X”

A Twitter user said: “I’m so sorry to read this sad news. I worked with Joan nearly 35 years ago. She was a magnificent woman. Sending love and condolences to you and your family. Your love is clearly a force. X”

Another tweeted: “No words sufficient. But heartfelt condolences & thoughts”