Andrew Malkin, cast member on the current London production of The King’s Speech, has died at the age of 49.
An ensemble cast member on the tale of King George VI and his battle against a speech impediment, Malkin’s body was found at his lodgings after he was missing from a technical rehearsal for the show.
A coroner has confirmed that he died following a heart attack.
Producers of the play, which opens in the West End next week, said: “Andrew Malkin was a highly valued and very popular member of The King’s Speech company. We are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible news. We as a company will miss Andy very much indeed, but our immediate concern is for his family at their dreadful and sudden loss.”
Malkin came to acting late, having worked in IT for 23 years before deciding to pursue his passion professionally. After graduating from the East 15 Acting School, he appeared in productions of The National Theatre at the White Bear, German tours of Hamlet, Food For Thought and A Pinch Of Salt and UK tours of Bedroom Farce and Verdict.
The King’s Speech would have marked his West End debut.