Circa Theatre confirms Ray Henwood dies

A pillar of Wellington's Circa Theatre since co-founding it in 1976, the Welsh-born actor appeared in many plays, films, and television programs, notably the sitcom Gliding On.

Wellington's Circa Theatre confirmed 82-year-old Ray Henwood has died this morning.

A pillar of Wellington's Circa Theatre since co-founding it in 1976, the Welsh-born actor appeared in many plays, films, and television programs, notably the sitcom Gliding On. He also did one-man performances as the poet Dylan Thomas and the actor Richard Burton - both fellow Welshmen.

Mr. Henwood graduated in chemistry at Swansea University before emigrating to New Zealand aged 25 and worked as a teacher and forensic toxicologist while developing a second career as an actor, eventually turning professional in 1970.

Drawing on his work as a forensic chemist, he campaigned against the use of cannabis and was the author of the 1970 book A Turned On World - Drugs in New Zealand.

Ray Henwood is survived by his second wife, the retired judge Carolyn Henwood, and their two children, one of whom is the comedian Dai Henwood.