AN ACTOR and panto legend died at the West Middlesex Hospital last night.

Gerard Kelly, 51, died on Thursday evening at the hospital after a brain aneurysm.

Mr Kelly, who lived near Osterley Park in Isleworth, was surrounded by his family and closest friends.

The Scottish actor appeared in many classic comedies such as City Lights, Rab C Nesbitt and Scotch and Wry. He also played serious roles, including villain Callum Finnegan in Brookside. He remains best known, however, for his starring role in City Lights as the hapless would-be author Willie Melvin.

He was very good friends with Coronation Street actress Kate Anthony, who plays Aunty Pam, and lives in Ealing. The pair would go walking together in Osterley Park.

Her husband Gary Barak said Mr Kelly was a very close family friend and "one of the kindest people you could ever meet".

He said: "It was very sudden and the kind of thing that could have happened to anyone. He was our closest family friend. He was a wonderful caring man, one of the most famous people in Scotland, but he was very private and loved his life in Hounslow and Isleworth.

"Everyone loved him, he was kind and generous and totally unselfish. If someone stopped to talk to him in the street he would give them all the time they wanted and sometimes more. He had no airs and graces, and he had a lot more to give."

As well as his comedy role, he played Felix Ungar in a specially scripted Scottish version of The Odd Couple. It was in this role that he met Ms Anthony.

Mr Kelly also appeared in comedy as Bunny. In 2006 and 2007 he starred in and directed a Scottish play called celebrating the life of two of his heroes, and Jack Mulroy, in which he played the role of Mulroy.

He also played "The Narrator" in the Rocky Horror Picture Show in Edinburgh and Aberdeen earlier this year.

Mr Barak said: "Gerard will be deeply missed by his friends and family and indeed his huge fan base across his beloved Scotland and further afield. He was a private and gentle man and his family and friends would appreciate privacy during this sad and difficult time."

Further information regarding a potential memorial service will be announced in the future after a private service for family and closest friends.