Legendary actor Ray Brooks has passed away at the age of 86, his family has announced. The performer, who appeared in both Coronation Street and EastEnders, died on Saturday following a brief illness, his relatives told the BBC.
He was also the voice behind Mr Benn, providing narration for the 1970s children’s programme. The actor’s sons Will and Tom released a heartfelt statement confirming his passing.
They revealed that while their father believed he was most recognised for his Mr Benn work, members of the public would be “continually asking him to say the catchphrase ‘as if by magic!’”
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In the statement to the BBC, his family said: “Although only 13 episodes were made, they were repeated twice a year for 21 years.
“His three true loves were family [he also had a daughter Emma, who died in 2003], Fulham Football Club, and spending time in Brighton, where he was born.”
Ray first graced the Corrie cobbles in the 1960s, taking on the role of Norman Philips in the long-standing ITV soap. Nearly four decades later, he switched sides, joining BBC’s EastEnders as Joe Macer.
His character is most remembered for the murder of his wife Pauline Fowler. However, throughout his extensive career in showbiz, Ray also appeared as the male lead in the pioneering 1960s BBC drama Cathy Come Home.
He later starred in the 1980s hit Big Deal as Robbie Box in the series before later appearing in Running Wild as the comic lead Max Wild.
Other roles included appearances on Danger Man, Dixon of Dock Green, Emergency-Ward 10, The Avengers, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and Z Cars.
Ray also found success on the big screen. His film appearances included Carry On Abroad in 1972, and the 1966 Dr Who film Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D..
In the theatre world, he played roles in Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends alongside Richard Briers, Peter Bowles and Phyllida Law, while also featuring in Tom Stoppard’s On The Razzle.
His voiceover success didn’t just stop at Mr Benn. Ray also lent his voice to thousands of adverts for major companies. These included the likes of Guinness, Whiskas, Marmite and R Whites Lemonade.