Wave of tributes pour in for iconic football coach Terry Venables and 'Lethal Weapon 2' star Joss Ackland
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It is with great sadness that we reflect upon the passing of two people who made their mark in sports and cinema.
Terry Venables, 80, a legendary English football coach, and Joss Ackland, 95, an iconic British actor, passed away last week.
Terry Venables was known for his charismatic personality and innovative tactical approach in the field. He led the English national team to the European Championship semi-finals in 1996 and won trophies with Barcelona and Tottenham at the club level.
He passed away last November 25 after a long illness.
His death was announced by his family in a statement to the media.
The English Football Association acknowledged Venables' significant contribution to the sport, stating that he left behind a legacy that 'captured the imagination of many and enhanced the global reputation of the English game'.
Gary Lineker, former England captain and striker under Venables at Barcelona and Tottenham, described him as: 'The best, most innovative coach [...] I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for.’
This sentiment was echoed by many others who had the opportunity to work with Venables, including Tottenham's Australian coach, Ange Postecoglou.
'The biggest testament,' Postecoglou said, 'is that anyone who I have ever come across that has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager and tactician they have come across. If you are asking about a person who embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be, it is Terry.'
Postecoglou went on to praise not just Venables' coaching and management skills but also his character.
'It wasn't just about the way he managed or coached, it was the person he was. He influenced Australia as well. He almost got us to the World Cup, but the biggest testament is that anyone who I have ever come across that has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager and tactician they have come across,’ he added.
In 1997, Venables was hired by Australia but unfortunately failed to qualify the team for the 1998 World Cup after losing in a playoff to Iran.
David Beckham also paid tribute to the legendary coach by posting on social media. He wrote: ‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Despite his setback at the World Cup and his relatively short tenure, Venables left a lasting impact on Australian football.
After his stint with Australia, Venables returned to club football, coaching Palace, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
He also briefly served as assistant to England coach Steve McClaren in 2006 but left after the team failed to qualify for the European Championship.
Gareth Southgate, the current coach of England's men's team, described Venables as 'tactically excellent' and 'capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star'.
Southgate, who missed a penalty for England in the 1996 shootout against Germany, added, 'He was open-minded, forward-thinking, enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.'
Tottenham held a minute's applause ahead of its game against Aston Villa, with both sets of players wearing black armbands in honour of Venables.
You can watch their tribute here:
Venables often implemented tactics and strategies that were ahead of their time. His ability to adapt to different teams and situations, coupled with his charismatic personality, made him a beloved figure in the football world.
In similar news, Joss Ackland, the versatile actor known for his roles in Lethal Weapon 2 and White Mischief, has passed away at the age of 95.
His representative, Paul Pearson, confirmed the news, stating, 'Joss was a long-term client and great friend who remained lucid, erudite and mischievous to the very end, he died peacefully with his family this morning.'
Ackland's career spanned over six decades, with more than 130 film and television credits to his name. He was a familiar face on both the big and small screens, with a range of roles that showcased his exceptional acting prowess.
But there's more to Ackland's life and career than what meets the eye.
He was born in 1928 in the Ladbroke Grove area of London but grew up in Kilburn, North London.
He discovered his passion for acting at a young age and honed his skills at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama. He made his professional stage debut at the tender age of 17 in the 1945 production of The Hasty Heart. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in theatre, where he worked with several regional theatre troupes and eventually joined London’s Old Vic.
Ackland's breakthrough in film came with Richard Donner’s Lethal Weapon 2, where he played a villainous diplomat. His character's line, 'Diplomatic immunity!' before being shot by cop Roger Murtaugh, played by Danny Glover, became one of the film's most memorable moments.
His filmography is as diverse as it is extensive. He appeared in films like K-19: The Widowmaker, Bill & Ted, and The Hunt for Red October, where he worked alongside Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin.
His television work includes Shadowlands, where he played C.S. Lewis and Midsomer Murders.
Ackland's contributions to drama were recognised in 2001 when he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He also earned two BAFTA nominations throughout his career: one for Best Actor for First and Last and the other for Supporting Actor for White Mischief.
Ackland's acting prowess wasn't confined to the screen. He was equally adept on stage, starring in several productions alongside the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench and Tom Courtenay.
Some of his most notable stage credits include portraying Juan Peron in Evita and starring opposite Hermione Gingold in A Little Night Music.
Off the stage and screen, Ackland was a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Rosemary, for 51 years before she passed away in 2002. He is survived by his seven children, 34 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Actor and filmmaker Alex Winter posted on social media, writing: ‘RIP to the wonderful Joss Ackland. I'm pretty sure he hated us on Bill & Ted 2, but it was great to watch him work. Lovely actor with an amazing voice.’
The Director of Plough Arts Centre, Richard Wolfenden-Brown, paid tribute to the actor. He stated: ‘As well as being a hugely talented and highly respected actor, Joss was also a passionate supporter of The Plough Arts Centre.’
You can watch the iconic Lethal Weapon scene here:
Their contributions to their respective fields will be greatly missed, and their legacies will be remembered for years to come. May they rest in peace.
Terry Venables, 80, a legendary English football coach, and Joss Ackland, 95, an iconic British actor, passed away last week.
Terry Venables was known for his charismatic personality and innovative tactical approach in the field. He led the English national team to the European Championship semi-finals in 1996 and won trophies with Barcelona and Tottenham at the club level.
He passed away last November 25 after a long illness.
Terry Venables passed away last November 25 at the age of 80. Credit: FC Barcelona/Facebook
His death was announced by his family in a statement to the media.
The English Football Association acknowledged Venables' significant contribution to the sport, stating that he left behind a legacy that 'captured the imagination of many and enhanced the global reputation of the English game'.
Gary Lineker, former England captain and striker under Venables at Barcelona and Tottenham, described him as: 'The best, most innovative coach [...] I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for.’
This sentiment was echoed by many others who had the opportunity to work with Venables, including Tottenham's Australian coach, Ange Postecoglou.
'The biggest testament,' Postecoglou said, 'is that anyone who I have ever come across that has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager and tactician they have come across. If you are asking about a person who embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be, it is Terry.'
Postecoglou went on to praise not just Venables' coaching and management skills but also his character.
'It wasn't just about the way he managed or coached, it was the person he was. He influenced Australia as well. He almost got us to the World Cup, but the biggest testament is that anyone who I have ever come across that has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager and tactician they have come across,’ he added.
In 1997, Venables was hired by Australia but unfortunately failed to qualify the team for the 1998 World Cup after losing in a playoff to Iran.
David Beckham also paid tribute to the legendary coach by posting on social media. He wrote: ‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Despite his setback at the World Cup and his relatively short tenure, Venables left a lasting impact on Australian football.
After his stint with Australia, Venables returned to club football, coaching Palace, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
He also briefly served as assistant to England coach Steve McClaren in 2006 but left after the team failed to qualify for the European Championship.
Gareth Southgate, the current coach of England's men's team, described Venables as 'tactically excellent' and 'capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star'.
Southgate, who missed a penalty for England in the 1996 shootout against Germany, added, 'He was open-minded, forward-thinking, enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.'
Tottenham held a minute's applause ahead of its game against Aston Villa, with both sets of players wearing black armbands in honour of Venables.
You can watch their tribute here:
Venables often implemented tactics and strategies that were ahead of their time. His ability to adapt to different teams and situations, coupled with his charismatic personality, made him a beloved figure in the football world.
In similar news, Joss Ackland, the versatile actor known for his roles in Lethal Weapon 2 and White Mischief, has passed away at the age of 95.
His representative, Paul Pearson, confirmed the news, stating, 'Joss was a long-term client and great friend who remained lucid, erudite and mischievous to the very end, he died peacefully with his family this morning.'
Joss Ackland passed away at the age of 95. Credit: Seventies Time-Machine/Facebook
Ackland's career spanned over six decades, with more than 130 film and television credits to his name. He was a familiar face on both the big and small screens, with a range of roles that showcased his exceptional acting prowess.
But there's more to Ackland's life and career than what meets the eye.
He was born in 1928 in the Ladbroke Grove area of London but grew up in Kilburn, North London.
He discovered his passion for acting at a young age and honed his skills at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama. He made his professional stage debut at the tender age of 17 in the 1945 production of The Hasty Heart. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in theatre, where he worked with several regional theatre troupes and eventually joined London’s Old Vic.
Ackland's breakthrough in film came with Richard Donner’s Lethal Weapon 2, where he played a villainous diplomat. His character's line, 'Diplomatic immunity!' before being shot by cop Roger Murtaugh, played by Danny Glover, became one of the film's most memorable moments.
His filmography is as diverse as it is extensive. He appeared in films like K-19: The Widowmaker, Bill & Ted, and The Hunt for Red October, where he worked alongside Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin.
His television work includes Shadowlands, where he played C.S. Lewis and Midsomer Murders.
Ackland's contributions to drama were recognised in 2001 when he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He also earned two BAFTA nominations throughout his career: one for Best Actor for First and Last and the other for Supporting Actor for White Mischief.
Ackland's acting prowess wasn't confined to the screen. He was equally adept on stage, starring in several productions alongside the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench and Tom Courtenay.
Some of his most notable stage credits include portraying Juan Peron in Evita and starring opposite Hermione Gingold in A Little Night Music.
Off the stage and screen, Ackland was a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Rosemary, for 51 years before she passed away in 2002. He is survived by his seven children, 34 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Actor and filmmaker Alex Winter posted on social media, writing: ‘RIP to the wonderful Joss Ackland. I'm pretty sure he hated us on Bill & Ted 2, but it was great to watch him work. Lovely actor with an amazing voice.’
The Director of Plough Arts Centre, Richard Wolfenden-Brown, paid tribute to the actor. He stated: ‘As well as being a hugely talented and highly respected actor, Joss was also a passionate supporter of The Plough Arts Centre.’
You can watch the iconic Lethal Weapon scene here:
Their contributions to their respective fields will be greatly missed, and their legacies will be remembered for years to come. May they rest in peace.
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