Actor Ray Brooks, known for his roles in Eastenders and Coronation Street, as well as for narrating popular children's TV shows, passes away at the age of 86 following a brief illness.
English Actor Ray Brooks Passes Away at 86
Ray Brooks, a celebrated English actor known for his versatile career spanning over five decades in film, television, stage, and radio, has passed away at the age of 86. The BBC reported his death on Saturday, following a short illness.
Brooks gained early recognition with guest roles in popular British TV series from the late 1950s and early 1960s, including Z-Cars, Emergency – Ward 10, and Coronation Street. His breakthrough came with the 1965 film The Knack …and How to Get It, directed by Richard Lester, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and featured Brooks in a leading role, bringing him national acclaim. The following year, he starred in the groundbreaking BBC drama Cathy Come Home as Reg Ward, a role which brought widespread attention to social issues like homelessness and showcased his dramatic abilities.
Throughout his career, Brooks' remarkable voice saw him land roles as narrator, not least on the children's show Mr Benn. He became one of the few actors to appear in both Coronation Street and EastEnders, and his voice was heard in thousands of advertisements for companies including Guinness, Whiskas, Marmite, and R Whites Lemonade.
Later in his career, Brooks played Joe Macer in EastEnders from 2005 to 2007, a role that came 40 years after his role in the 1960s. He was also the distinctly gentle voice of Mr Benn, an iconic British children's character, further cementing his cultural legacy.
On stage, Brooks appeared in productions like C.P. Taylor's play And a Nightingale Sang at London's Queen's Theatre. He was respected not only for his screen performances but also for his voice work in film narration and children's programming.
Personal aspects of his life include marriage to Sadie Elcombe in 1963 and having three children. He lived his final years with dementia.
Brooks' sons, Will and Tom, stated that he thought he was best known for his role in Mr. Benn, with people often asking him to say the catchphrase "as if by magic!". They also mentioned that he did not enjoy the spotlight and his three true loves were family, Fulham FC, and spending time in Brighton, where he was born.
Key career highlights include his early TV roles in Z-Cars, Emergency – Ward 10, and Coronation Street; his breakthrough film The Knack …and How to Get It (1965); his landmark TV drama Cathy Come Home (1966); his appearances in classic series such as Doctor Who, The Avengers, and The Saint; his starring role in Big Deal (1984–86); and his later role as Joe Macer in EastEnders (2005–07).
Ray Brooks' career is marked by consistent work across multiple media, contributing significantly to British television and film culture for over fifty years. His legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Brooks' voice was heard in countless advertisements for various companies throughout his career, making him a recognized figure in the world of commercials.In addition to his extensive work on stage, film, and television, Brooks became a beloved icon in the children's entertainment industry, voicing the character Mr. Benn and entertaining generations of young viewers.
