Dafydd Hywel, the 77-year-old star of Stella, Pobol y Cwm, and Keeping Faith/Un Bore Mercher, has passed away. Since the 1960s, he has performed on stage, in film, and on television in Welsh and English productions. His hometown was Garnant, near Ammanford.
His most memorable performance was as the colorful Jac Daniels in Pobol y Cwm, where he starred in multiple prominent roles.
In tributes from friends and fellow performers, he was referred to as “a terrific actor and a man with great ideals.”
Hywel portrayed Caleb y Twrch on the children’s program Miri Mawr and starred in other Welsh series, including Y Pris and Pen Talar, as well as the films Ar Ddu a Gwyn, Rhosyn a Rhith, and Rhag Pob Brad.
In the multilingual co-production A Penny for Your Dreams/I Fro Breuddwyddion, he also portrayed the cinematic pioneer William Haggar.
In the 2016 Tim Burton picture of Miss Peregerine’s Home for Peculiar Children, he co-starred opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Dame Judi Dench.
He has been on English television in The Indian Doctor, The Bill, and Holby City, and most recently portrayed Glen Brennig in the comedy-drama series Stella.
In the third season of The Crown, he portrayed the shopkeeper in the episode detailing the Aberfan tragedy.
In 2004, he revealed on BBC Radio Cymru’s Beti a’i Pobol that his favorite role was Crazy Dan in Richard Burton’s Christmas Tale.
Hywel was the chief executive officer of Cwmni Mega, which has produced pantomimes in Welsh since 1994.
2013 saw the publication of his autobiography, Hunangofiant Alff Garnant.
Hywel’s peers have paid respect to him.
“Today’s news is devastating,” said John Pierce Jones, who had known Hywel since the 1970s, adding, “We were close friends for many years.”
“Dafydd was a brilliant actor and a guy of high moral standards,” he remarked.
Dewi Pws stated,
“He was a good friend who did so much for Wales and the Welsh language.”
“He has made his mark; only one DH will exist”
Director of BBC Cymru Wales Rhuanedd Richards stated,
“Dafydd Hywel’s contribution to the realm of drama in Wales, whether on television or in the theater, is undeniable.”
“Many of us will remember him as Jac Daniels in the early seasons of Pobol y Cwm, one of the series’ most prominent characters.”
“He also entertained British audiences in films such as the classic Off to Philadelphia in the Morning with Sian Phillips and in popular television series including Keeping Faith/Un Bore Mercher, The Indian Doctor, and Holby City.”
We express our profound condolences to his family and friends while expressing our gratitude for his efforts.
On social media, Cefin Campbell MS described Mr. Hywel as a great friend.
“We lost one of Wales’ greatest figures today. He added, “Wonderful memories of you, Hywel alias DH/Alf Garnant – we’ll have a pint again someday.”
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