Sir Michael Caine has paid tribute to Oscar-winning composer and lyricist Leslie Bricus, who died a year ago aged 90.
Speaking at a memorial service in London at St James’s Piccadilly, Sir Michael, a friend of 60 years, admitted he was still struggling to come to terms with his absence.
“I talk to him every day like crazy,” the 89-year-old actor admitted.
Tribute: Sir Michael Caine paid tribute to Oscar-winning composer and songwriter Leslie Bricus as he attended the composer’s memorial service at St James’s Church in Piccadilly on Thursday with his wife Shakira
He added: “I kind of invented this ghost I’m talking to… I refuse to let him go. I loved Leslie.’
Dame Joanna Lumley, 76, also paid her respects at the service along with Barry Humphries, 88, his wife Lizzie and Nigel Havers, 70, and wife Georgiana.
Bricusso’s famous friends turned out to support his wife Evie and their son Adam.
Icon: Bricus wrote music and lyrics for films including Scrooge and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, as well as Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice (pictured in 1983)
Close: Leslie Bricus and Sir Michael have been close friends for 60 years (pictured in 2013)
Bricus has written music and lyrics for films including Scrooge and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, as well as Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice.
By the time he died aged 90, Brikus had composed and written lyrics for more than 40 blockbuster musicals on stage and screen.
He was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning two. He has also won nine Grammy Awards and four Tony Awards.
Support: Joanna Lumley wore an emerald green coat teamed with a navy blue skirt and suede boots at the memorial service
Support: Nigel Havers, 70, and wife Georgiana supported each other at the event
Bricus’ successful career meant he could afford it houses and villas in Beverly Hills, Malta, Gstaad, Acapulco and Saint Paul de Vence, among other places with views of the blue sea, swimming pools or crisp snow.
Every weekend there was a party for “British refugees” – Michael Caine, Christopher Lee, Samantha Eggar, David Hemmings and Roger Moore.
There was even a party for Prince Andrew in April 1984.
Company Two: Barry Humphries, 88, and his wife Lizzie were spotted holding hands at the service
Source: | dailymail.co.uk
