Artist and Tutti Frutti writer John Byrne dies, aged 83
John Byrne, the artist and writer behind the acclaimed TV series Tutti Frutti, has died at age 83. Besides his TV work, Byrne was also a painter and designer, creating album covers for his friend and notable singer, Gerry Rafferty. Byrne’s playwriting career began with the Slab Boys Trilogy, the first play of which premiered in 1978 and was based on his personal experience working in a carpet factory. His BBC Scotland series Tutti Frutti, featuring Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson, brought him a larger audience and won six BAFTAs. Byrne’s work is held in collections at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
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