Actor Corin Redgrave critical after collapse

[KiwiCoromandel]

Actor and political activist Corin Redgrave was in critical condition yesterday after collapsing with a heart attack while campaigning for gypsies.

"He has had a heart attack. He's in a critical condition but he is stable," a spokesman for his agent said. "His wife wants to thank the hospital and staff for helping him and the public for their warm wishes."

Redgrave, 65, an accomplished film and stage actor, has campaigned for high-profile political causes and founded a political party last year with Oscar-winning sister Vanessa.

He is a member of Britain's most acclaimed acting dynasty, along with late father Sir Michael Redgrave, sisters Vanessa and Lynn, daughter Gemma and nieces Joely Richardson and Natasha Richardson.

He collapsed while addressing town councillors in the hope of blocking efforts to evict residents from a trailer camp in Essex, southeast England.

Many towns in Britain are trying to crack down on what they say are illegal camps of travellers, while activists say anti-gypsy campaigns are intolerant or racist.

source:AAP