ray brooks obituary biograpy and pass away

ray brooks obituary biograpy and pass away

Ray Brooks – Biography
Full Name:

Raymond Michael Brooks

Date of Birth:

April 20, 1939

Place of Birth:

Brighton, East Sussex, England

Date of Death:

August 9, 2025
(Age 86)

Career Highlights
Early Acting Career

Ray Brooks began his acting career in the late 1950s.

His early work included guest appearances in popular British television series such as:

Z-Cars

Emergency – Ward 10

Coronation Street

Breakthrough in Film

1965: Rose to fame as Tolen in The Knack …and How to Get It, directed by Richard Lester. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

1966: Starred in Ken Loach’s groundbreaking BBC drama Cathy Come Home as Reg Ward — a performance that brought national attention to homelessness and social issues.

Television Success

Appeared in many classic British TV shows including:

Doctor Who (1964)

The Avengers

The Saint

EastEnders (as Joe Macer, 2005–2007)

Big Deal (1984–86), where he starred as gambler Robbie Box

Growing Pains, Touch and Go, and many others

Voice Work

Best known for being the narrator and voice of the children’s TV classic Mr Benn (1971).

Though only 13 episodes were made, it aired for decades and became iconic.

Voiced numerous Jackanory stories and BBC Radio plays.

Became a well-known voice in commercials (e.g., Guinness, Marmite).

Stage & Radio

Appeared in theatre productions, including:

Absent Friends by Alan Ayckbourn

On the Razzle by Tom Stoppard

Starred in the BBC Radio series Robert Barr – Detective.

Awards & Recognition

Though never heavily awarded, Ray Brooks earned deep admiration from fans and peers for his versatility, warmth, and longevity in the entertainment industry.

Mr Benn and Cathy Come Home remain cultural landmarks in British media.

Autobiography

Learning My Lines (2009): Ray Brooks’s memoir, chronicling his personal and professional life.

Personal Life

Married Sadie Elcombe in 1963. The couple had three children:

Emma, who sadly passed away in 2003.

Will and Tom.

Lived a quiet, private life in later years.

Loved football, especially Fulham FC, and cherished his Brighton roots.

Death

Passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, at the age of 86.

Had been living with dementia in his final years.

Tributes from EastEnders, BBC, and fans remembered him as a gentleman of the stage and screen, beloved by generations.

Legacy

Ray Brooks leaves behind a legacy as:

A respected actor across film, TV, stage, and radio.

The soothing voice of Mr Benn for generations of British children.

A performer who brought humanity and quiet strength to every role he played.