Richard E Grant says his heart is 'broken' after wife dies

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20:  Joan Washington and Richard E. Grant attend the Jameson Empire Awards 2016 at The Grosvenor House Hotel on March 20, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Joan Washington and Richard E Grant were married for 35 years. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Richard E Grant has said his heart is "broken" after his wife Joan Washington died at the age of 71.

The Withnail And I actor, 64, posted a message on social media saying that his wife had passed away on Thursday (2 September).

The couple had been married for 35 years.

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Sharing a video clip of them dancing, Grant wrote on Twitter: "ONLY YOU! Joan – Love of my Life & Giver of Life to our daughter Olivia.

"Our hearts are broken with the loss of your Life last night.

"35 years married & 38 together.

"To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift."

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14:  (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK TABLOID NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME. MANDATORY CREDIT PHOTO BY DAVE M. BENETT/GETTY IMAGES REQUIRED)  Richard E. Grant (R) and wife Joan attend an after party celebrating the press night performance of the Sydney Theatre Company's production of 'Big and Small (Gross und Klein)' at the Barbican Centre on April 14, 2012 in London, England.  (Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)
The couple had been together for 38 years. (Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)

"Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine," he added.

Grant and Washington - who was a voice coach - tied the knot in 1986.

They welcomed their daughter Olivia in 1989.

David Baddiel was among those to send condolences after the actor shared his sad news.

"Very sorry to hear this, Richard," wrote the comedian. "Thinking of you."

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: (L-R) Olivia Grant, Richard E. Grant and Joan Washington attend the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 06, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Richard E Grant with Joan and their daughter Olivia. (David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

"Oh I’m so sorry, so very sorry - sending love," said comedian Jenny Eclair.

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Actor Alistair Petrie posted: "A love story I only observed from afar but hugely influential nonetheless.

"Deepest deepest condolences to you, Olivia and your family."

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