Michael Jayston. In Memoriam

Beloved British actor Michael Jayston (1935-2024)  passed away recently at 88 years old after a prolific acting career on both stage and screen. He was likely best known to current audiences for his guest role on the hit sitcom Only Fools and Horses or his role as the Valeyard in Doctor Who 1986.  However, one notable early performance of Jayston's was playing the role of Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre 1973.

His Rochester has been a favourite of many Brontëites around, creating a sort of cult following.  An example of the impact of his performance, and by no means the only one, can be found in Charlene DeKalb's excellent The Eyre Guide:

While Mia Wasikowska is relatively new as my favorite portrayal of Jane - my Mr. Rochester has been Michael Jayston from the 1973 adaptation for a long time. Mr. Rochester is a very difficult character to play sympathetically and romantically - especially in modern times. (...)
Michael Jayston’s Rochester brings all these qualities to life. I feel like he has the most well-rounded performance - it’s believable when he’s cold and cutting, as well as when his eyes soften up and he looks at Jane in a loving way. Michael Jayston also knows how to deliver some of the more unwieldy speeches Rochester gives, in a way that is smooth and convincing. His physicality is also impressive to me - he walks and moves with a sense of purpose and power that completely fits the role. And he is just mesmerizing to watch. Charlotte Brontë’s Rochester is complex, and I see all of the complexities in Jayston’s portrayal.

Many websites publish the sad news: The Times, Daily Mail, The Independent, Sky News, Radio Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph...