Who is Ray Brooks? All about the British TV veteran who died at 86

Ray Brooks, a famous British TV actor, has passed away at the age of 86, after a short illness, as reported by his family. He was best known as the voice of the children’s show Mr Benn. He worked in acting for almost five decades.

His sons said, "with people continually asking him to say the catchphrase 'as if by magic!'" a popular dialogue of the show Mr Benn. His son also said,

"Although only 13 episodes were made, they were repeated twice a year for 21 years."

Brooks also played roles in Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Cathy Come Home. In Coronation Street, he acted as the character Norman Phillips in the 1960s. Decades later, he was Joe Macer in EastEnders, a man who killed his wife. Cathy Come Home was one of the most praised British TV shows.

Ray Brooks' career in TV, film, and his voice

Ray Brooks started acting in the 1960s. He appeared in many popular TV shows like Danger Man, The Avengers, Dixon of Dock Green, Emergency–Ward 10, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), and Z Cars.

He also appeared in films. In The Knack ...and How to Get It (1965), he played Tolen. The film won a big film prize at the Cannes Film Festival. He also acted in Carry On Abroad and the Doctor Who movie Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. For young viewers, he read stories on Jackanory, and children loved his voice in ads for brands like Guinness, Marmite, Whiskas, and R White's Lemonade.

Ray Brooks had a warm, familiar voice. It made him popular for voice-overs in adverts. He was a storyteller, too. He read stories out loud in Jackanory, a show where actors read to kids, where he did about 30 episodes.

Ray Brooks' private life and quiet legacy

Ray Brooks, born on April 20, 1939, in Brighton, England, was married in 1963 and had three children. In recent years, he lived with dementia.

His sons said he "shunned the limelight" and popularity. His son said,

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"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 Brooks had a peaceful passing with his family close by. He leaves a big legacy on British TV and film. His calm and gentle voice in Mr Benn has left a mark, and his character in Cathy Come Home is still talked about. Brooks was a simple, honest actor with a voice that stayed in many people’s memories. He helped tell stories that made people think. He played many parts over fifty years, starting with simple roles, big dramas, and children’s stories, and moving to voices in ads. He is now gone, but his voice and his work will be remembered by many.

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