The co-writer of Welsh cult movie Twin Town, Paul Durden, has died, his family have announced. He died "suddenly" in the early hours of Tuesday morning, September 6, according to loved ones in heartfelt social media posts.
Mr Durden wrote the Swansea-set 1997 black comedy film alongside Welsh director Kevin Allen. Dubbed the most commercially successful Welsh film ever made, it found enormous success far and wide - along with some controversy.
The movie was filmed in Swansea and Port Talbot and followed the story of brothers Julian and Jeremy who enjoyed spending their time on drugs and joyriding. Also an actor, Mr Durden appeared in the movie himself and played a taxi driver. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Publicly posting on Facebook, his daughter, Chloe Sheldon, described her father as her best friend. She wrote: "Suddenly and unexpectedly early hours of this morning we lost our father. There is no words right now we are all in shock. My dad was my bestest friend and he was a big part of everyone’s life and had many happy memories. I cannot believe I will never ever see my Dad again or have that FaceTime everyday off him. Swansea will never ever be the same without him. He was the biggest character. I’m heartbroken. I love you so much Dad."
His granddaughter, Ellie Sheldon, also stated in a public Facebook post: "Absolutely heartbroken that my wonderful grandad was taken away from us early hours this morning so unexpectedly. It was only yesterday you was on facetime to me for our daily calls. you always lit up the room with a laugh and smile with your stupid jokes, you was known and absolutely adored by everyone we could never go for our weekend breakfast dates without you knowing someone. you was always the main man in my life and supported me in all my decisions. Memories with you will live on forever, I wish I could hug you one last time. Forever love you Bingy Bingy X"
Former Dyfatty School pupil Mr Durden once launched a campaign to be named mayor of Swansea and still styled himself as 'virtual mayor' on social media.
Co-writer of Twin Town, Kevin Allen, also shared a tribute in Mr Durden's memory on Facebook. He said that although the pair fell out and parted ways several years ago, they shared many fond memories together. You can read more stories about Swansea here.
He wrote: "Very sad to hear the news of Paul Durden’s passing. Paul was a close friend and collaborator for many years. Although we fell out a few years ago, I’d rather not dwell on why we parted our ways, but fondly remember the many great years we worked and played together.
"Paul was my co-writer on Twin Town and numerous other ventures - his uniquely abrasive wit and anecdotal nuance, playing a critical role in the movie’s success. I remember him being with me at the Sundance Twin Town screening - I was in conversation with a seedy studio head. “Who was that f***ing t***t?” enquired Paul. It was Harvey Weinstein. Paul was a shrewd, merciless judge of character, and he had a refreshingly sick sense of humour.
"I remember us popping into one of those exclusive clothing boutiques on Haight Ashbury, the sort of place you had to actually ring a bell to enter and browse the expensive clobber.
"After trying on a leather jacket, Paul deftly left the store, shutting the door behind him with a click. After a few moments I realised he’d dropped a deadly crop-dusting fart. I of course had become immune to his venomous bowel gymnastics over the years, but the poor shop assistant stood no chance - turning white in Paul’s post-breakfast haze. As he gagged on what he thought I had delivered, Paul stood at the window, laughing until he too had tears in his eyes. When on form, he was one of the funniest blokes I ever met."
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