Living Spit co-founder Howard Coggins dies at 52

Howard Coggins died after a short illness

Bristol actor and co-founder of theatre company Living Spit, Howard Coggins, has died at the age of 52 after a short illness.

Mr Coggins was well-known in the area for playing comedy characters alongside acting partner and co-writer Stu Mcloughlin.

He could also be seen on television, including featuring in an advert for the National Lottery.

Mr Mcloughlin said Mr Coggins "generously shared so much with me".

"Howard's life has positively affected the lives of thousands of others. Through his work he has brought immeasurable amounts of laughter, warmth and joy," he added.

Howard Coggins as Henry VIII in Living Spit's first show

Their first performance after forming Living Spit in 2012 was The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

Mr Coggins was said to look a bit like the Tudor king, but it meant Mr Mcloughlin had to play all six wives.

Other well-known characters Mr Coggins played included Winston Churchill, Victor Frankenstein and Albert Einstein.

In tribute to him posted on the Living Spit website, Mr Mcloughlin explained Mr Coggins, who was born in Backwell, North Somerset, had time for everyone.

He said: "Walking down the street with him in Clevedon, even just for a short distance, would take an age.

"He would stop for, or be stopped by, almost every person he would pass, and a five to 10 minute catch-up would ensue.

"He knew everyone and would always make the time to talk to them."

Mr Coggins was known for playing comedy characters in Living Spit productions

Aside from Living Spit, he had roles in plays all over the country and his television credits include Jam and Jerusalem, The Bill, Black Books and Law and Order.

Mr Mcloughlin added: "He poured his heart into everything he did onstage. Watching him work, it was difficult not to feel your pain soothed, to feel your cares and worries melt away."

He said Living Spit will continue in honour of Mr Coggins.

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