Ray Brooks, who voiced Mr Benn, has died after a short illness
Ray Brooks as Joe Macer and Wendy Richard as Pauline Fowler in an episode of EastEnders in 2006(Image: BBC)
Actor Ray Brooks, known for his roles in both Coronation Street and EastEnders, has passed away at the age of 86, his family has confirmed.
Ray died on Saturday (August 9) following a short illness, his family told the BBC.
As well as starring in some of Britain’s biggest soaps, Ray also lent his voice to the beloved character Mr Benn in the iconic children’s show from the 1970s.
His sons, Will and Tom, released a heartfelt statement confirming their father’s passing. They revealed that he had spent the last few years living with dementia but died peacefully with his family beside him.
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They revealed that their father believed his most recognised role was as Mr Benn, as fans would often request him to recite the catchphrase “as if by magic!'”.
In the animated series, Mr Benn would embark on a new adventure in each episode, courtesy of a magical costume shop.
His family told the BBC: “Although only 13 episodes were made, they were repeated twice a year for 21 years.”
Ray Brooks has died aged 86(Image: BBC)
The family’s poignant statement also read: “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, portraying Norman Philips in the ITV soap. Nearly four decades later, he crossed over to the BBC’s EastEnders as Joe Macer.
He is probably best remembered for his character’s shocking act of murdering his wife Pauline Fowler.
However, Ray’s extensive career in the entertainment industry boasts an impressive list of credits.
Ray Brooks has died following a short illness, his family has confirmed(Image: BBC)
After taking the lead in the seminal 1960s BBC drama ‘Cathy Come Home’, Ray Brooks went on to star in the 1980s favourite ‘Big Deal’, captivating audiences as Robbie Box.
He later showcased his comedic chops in ‘Running Wild’ as Max Wild.
His acting extended to roles in classic series such as ‘Danger Man’, ‘Dixon of Dock Green’, ‘Emergency-Ward 10’, ‘The Avengers’, ‘Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)’, and ‘Z Cars’.
Ray’s also featured in films like ‘Carry On Abroad’ in 1972, and the 1966 ‘Dr Who’ movie ‘Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.’.
Ray voiced the children’s favourite Mr Benn(Image: Press Association)
On stage, he starred in Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Absent Friends’ with Richard Briers, Peter Bowles, and Phyllida Law, and shone in Tom Stoppard’s ‘On The Razzle’.
Beyond acting, Ray lent his voice to iconic characters and thousands of adverts for major brands, including Guinness, Whiskas, Marmite, and R Whites Lemonade.
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