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| Paul Moriarty |
This July, I returned to Hadlow, Kent, for the first time in three years—a journey rooted in remembrance, as I visited my mother’s grave. It was an emotional pilgrimage, marked not only by reflection but also by reconnection with old friends. Yet the visit also brought sorrow, as I learned of the passing of my friend Paul Moriarty.
Paul died on February 2, 2025. To many, he was more than just a familiar face—he was a storyteller, a gentleman, and a beloved regular at the Carpenters Arms pub on 3 Elm Lane in Golden Green. I was introduced to him through his son, Mark, and over time, we formed a genuine friendship built on shared conversations, laughter, and mutual respect.
We would meet during Bank Holidays and around Christmas at the Carpenters Arms. Paul often shared stories about Deptford—tales full of colour and history, things I’d never known. He had a natural gift for storytelling, and his warmth made you feel as though you’d known him forever. I believe he may have visited the area as a hop picker in his younger days—a tradition rooted in the lives of many Londoners of his generation.
Born on September 23, 1938, in Deptford, Paul H. Moriarty lived an extraordinary life. Before finding his way into acting, he worked as a docker and had a background in boxing. It was during his time at the Surrey Commercial Docks that he caught the attention of a film crew who encouraged him to try acting—a twist of fate that changed his life.
To avoid confusion with another actor of the same name, he adopted the stage name P. H. Moriarty and went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career. His roles in films like Quadrophenia, Scum, and A Sense of Freedom are etched in British cinema history. His final film appearance came in Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins (2021), capping a career that spanned decades.
Paul’s television credits stretched back to 1978, starting with Law & Order, and included numerous gritty dramas that benefited from his authentic presence and unmistakable gravitas.
Hearing of his passing was deeply saddening. I want to express my sincere condolences to the Moriarty family.
“Paul was a true gentleman, and I feel privileged to have known him. He will be sorely missed.”
My visit to Hadlow became much more than a return—it was a personal journey of remembrance, reconnection, and reflection. Though marked by grief, I also found gratitude: for lasting friendships, shared memories, and the enduring legacy of those who leave their mark on our lives.
