Nicholas Hytner

In the Independent of Sunday 2006 Pink List - a list of the most influential gay men and women - he came no. 12, up from no. 18.

I can't think of anyone who was more loved and admired at the National than John. We've all lost count of the number of shows he did here - and he brought to all of them warmth, wit and an absolute dedication to the truth. He was a superb actor - one of those whose talent and skill make the English theatre pre-eminent. And he was a marvellous man. (On the death of John Normington)