Renowned comedy actor and National Lottery advert personality, Howard Coggins, passes away at the age of 52
Renowned for his iconic National Lottery commercials, Howard Coggins was also a co-founder of the theatre company Living Spit, and portrayed a multitude of comedic personas.
Renowned star of the iconic National Lottery adverts, Howard Coggins, has passed away at the age of 52.
Colleagues at Living Spit, the comedy duo he co-founded, expressed their profound sadness and paid their respects on social media in the wake of the actor’s untimely demise. Reports indicate that he succumbed to a brief illness. Howard was a frequent collaborator with co-writer Stu Mcloughlin.
On Tuesday, Mcloughlin joined those offering tributes, recounting how Howard had “generously shared so much with me”. He remarked, “Howard’s life has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of countless others. Through his art, he bestowed immeasurable amounts of mirth, warmth, and happiness.”
The duo, who established Living Spit back in 2012, gained renown for their rendition of “The Six Wives of Henry VIII”. In this production, Howard took on the role of the Tudor monarch, while Stu portrayed all six of Henry’s wives. Coggins’ repertoire also featured portrayals of figures like Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Victor Frankenstein. Additionally, he made appearances on television shows such as “The Bill”, “Black Books”, and “Law and Order”.
Reflecting on Coggins’ impact in a tribute on their company’s website, Stu remarked, “Walking alongside him in Clevedon, even for a short stretch, seemed to stretch time itself. Almost every person he passed would either stop for a chat, or he would stop to greet them, resulting in a five to ten-minute catch-up. He knew everyone and always made time for conversation.”
Stu went on to say, “He poured his heart and soul into every performance. Observing him at work, it was hard not to feel your troubles ease, your worries dissolve. For me, being with Howard was like slipping into the most comfortable pair of slippers imaginable.”
Fans flocked to express their condolences, with one individual sharing on social media, “Heartbroken. I acted with Howard in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ when I was a teenager in Tickenham, and we collaborated at Backwell Playhouse and @PMStudioUK. A truly kind-hearted soul.”
Another person commented, “This is the most beautiful tribute I’ve ever read. Honestly, it’s the least Howard deserved. Incredibly sad news.” A third added, “Such heartbreaking news. I haven’t read Stu’s tribute yet, but I’m about to. Sending love to all of Howard’s family and friends x.”
Curzon Cinema also paid homage to their “dear and devoted friend” Howard, expressing on social media, “We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Howard Coggins, a longstanding friend of the Curzon, last week after a brief illness. Howard served as a Trustee of the Curzon for seven years until 2021. He brought wisdom to every meeting, never allowing any assumptions to go unchallenged, and our Board meetings were always enriched by his presence.
“His laughter, so hearty and infectious, surely resonated with filmgoers even during Trustee meetings. He was a cherished and steadfast friend of the Curzon. He will forever be remembered for his outstanding voice-over for the ‘Gromit-in-the-rain’ clip, created to raise funds for roof restoration.
“His resonant voice, blending poignancy and menace, preceding each screening during the campaign, inspired audiences to give generously, playing a significant role in achieving the well-preserved and watertight roof we have today. He held aspirations for Clevedon to blossom into a genuine hub of creativity and culture, and his passion and determination continue to inspire us to this day.”
