Scriptwriter and Wali Tomos actor Mei Jones has died
The actor and scriptwriter Mei Jones has died at the age of 68.
He was best known for co-creating and acting the character Wali Tomos, one of the best-loved comedy creations in Welsh language television.
Originally a radio programme before appearing on TV, he went on to star in five series, two films and one Christmas special as the linesman at Bryn Coch and won a BAFTA for his scriptwriting.
S4C confirmed his death this evening.
In a tribute to him, his C’mon Midffild co-author Alun Ffred Jones told S4C Newyddion: “Mei was a talented actor and original scriptwriter who always gave his best and expected that from everyone who worked with him.
“I could and probably should have written more but we can thank you for all that you have done. He made a very significant contribution to the Welsh entertainment scene. ”
Henryd Myrddin Jones, originally from Anglesey, he went to university in Aberystwyth to study theology and then Cardiff’s College of Music and Drama.
He then joined Theatr Bara Caws and was also known for his broadcasting work on Radio Cymru as part of ‘Wythnos i’w Anghofio’ and ‘Pupur a Halen’.
Newyddion hynod drist am Mei Jones, ‘Myrddin Carwad’ i mi a’r rhai fu’n gyd-ddisgyblion yn @DavidHughesYDH gynt. Cwsg yn dawel 🎭 pic.twitter.com/hwN7UbTME2
— Annes Glynn (@Yr_Hen_Goes) November 5, 2021
In 1990, Mei Jones was arrested by the police on suspicion of playing a part in the Meibion Glyndŵr campaign of burning holiday homes, alongside with another of the ‘C’mon Midffî!’ Cast, Bryn Fôn. They were released without charge. The experience was later satirised on C’Mon Midffild itself.
He was also a talented footballer, playing for Wales under 18s.
Amanda Rees, S4C’s Director of Content, said: “Our viewers will be forever grateful to Mei for C’Mon Midffîld and Wali as the drama and characters are among the channel’s greatest treasures. As long as Wali runs the line with his flag Mei will never be forgotten.”
He leaves four children, Ela, Lois, Steffan and Aron and three grandchildren.
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Cwsg yn dawel Wally
Colled inni fel genedl – Trist iawn – very sad – cwsg yn dawel fy arwr
Pob cydymdeimlad,a diolch am y chwerthin
He created one of the most memorable character on welsh tv.. Thinking of some scenes in the series makes me chuckle now even in this sad time. Thanks for the laughs.
C’MoN midfield up there with the all time comedy greats, equal to Faulty Towers, Dads Army, Porridge
unigryw, yn wir … fel egluro i ffrindiau – Our ‘Fools and Horses’ … althouigh he wrote scripts as well as being a great comic actor. Bendith arnat …
Was fortunate to meet him once, the memory of which still makes me laugh, diolch Mei, you will not be forgotten.
Newyddion trist ofnadwy. Roedd Men yn aber yr un pryd â fi, Bachan deche dros ben. Roedd ei gyfraniad i comédie Cymraeg yn aruthrol. Hedd i’w lwch.
Gymaint o hwyl a digon o chwerthin – da cael y re-runs’ – atgofion melys – sioc mawr
I ffwrdd a ni I Asaibaijam
I met him 6 years ago and regularly saw him in the mornings with his dog who sadly died last year. He was part of a group of 7+ dog walkers who met up at 10am every morning. We would all have a chat while our dogs played together. Mei was a true gentleman. I had 2 dogs and he gave 1 of my dogs the nickname Winston the brave which is what my dog is still known by today. The last time I saw him was when he came to my home to let my husband and I know… Read more »
Sad news. Mei Jones also played a ‘Miri Mawr’ character on TV when I was younger… Hmm. If your too young to remember that gem then check it out on Youtube. You’ll recognise the voice.
Na, John Pierce Jones oedd yn chwarae Dan Dwr yn Miri Mawr, er bod yn swnio fel Wali. Nes i yr un camgymeriad.