Withnail and I actor Richard E. Grant has penned a heartbreaking tribute to his late wife, Joan Washington, who passed away on September 2nd.

Richard E. Grant married dialect coach Joan Washington in 1986. The pair have one daughter Olivia, and a son, Tom, who is Washington’s child from a previous relationship.

In a post shared to Twitter, Grant shared footage of the pair slow dancing to ‘Only You’ by The Platters.

“Love of my life & giver of life to our daughter Olivia. Our hearts are broken with the loss of your life last night,” Grant wrote. “35 years married & 38 together. To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift. Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine.”

In a follow-up tweet, Grant thanked all those that had extended their condolences following Joan’s death.

“Overwhelmed by the messages of love, condolence & support we have received from loved ones & strangers from all over the world & the appreciation from actors Joan taught over the years,” he wrote.

“Grief hits us like tsunamis as we try and put one foot in front of the other without her.”

Love Film & TV?

Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

Countless other actors have taken to social media to pay tribute to Washington. “Goodbye to our friend Joan Washington. Many joyful hours were spent in her company,” wrote Steve Martin.

Dawn French said: “Joan Washington will ALWAYS be remembered by those of us who knew her & were taught by her, as a PHENOMENAL WOMAN.”

Whilst Jessica Chastain shared several tweets honoring her legacy. “My heart is broken. Joan Washington had such a profound impact on me, yes as an artist, but mostly as a woman,” Chastain wrote.

“Every day I was excited to go to work and giggle with Joan. She was a barometer of truth with a wicked sense of humour. I loved her very much.”

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine