Richard E Grant has reason to celebrate 5 years after wife Joan's death Richard E Grant reveals his family have a reason to celebrate this summer, half a decade after the death of his wife Joan Washington. 13 March 2026 Richard E. Grant is set to become a grandfather five years after his wife Joan's death. Richard E Grant is going to be a grandfather The 68-year-old actor was left heartbroken when vocal coach Joan Washington died aged 74 from cancer in 2021, but he insisted he isn't "lonely" as he has his family around him. He told Gyles Brandreth's Rosebud Podcast: "Not lonely.