Ray Brooks, the acclaimed British actor whose unmistakable voice and versatile performances made him a fixture on British television for five decades, has died at the age of 86. Brooks passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, after a short illness, with his family at his bedside. In recent years, he had been living with dementia, his sons Will and Tom confirmed to the BBC and other outlets.
Brooks's career was as varied as it was enduring. While many knew him as the narrator of the beloved 1970s children's series Mr Benn, his talents reached far beyond the costume shop adventures that delighted generations of young viewers. That animated series, which featured only 13 episodes, became a staple of British childhood, airing twice a year for 21 years. According to his sons, Brooks was frequently recognized for this role, with fans often asking him to repeat the show's iconic catchphrase: "as if by magic!"
Yet, for all the joy he brought to children, Brooks was equally at home in the gritty realism of adult drama. He rose to prominence playing Reg in the BBC's groundbreaking 1966 play Cathy Come Home. Directed by Ken Loach and filmed in a documentary style, the drama chronicled a young couple’s harrowing descent into homelessness, highlighting Britain’s housing crisis. The play is still widely regarded as one of the most influential television broadcasts in British history, regularly cited for its impact on public awareness and policy.
Brooks’s versatility extended to the soap opera world, where he achieved a rare feat: appearing in both of the UK’s most iconic soaps. In 1964, he played Norman Philips in Coronation Street, and four decades later, he arrived in Albert Square as Joe Macer in EastEnders. His storyline in the latter was particularly memorable—and notorious. Joe Macer married Pauline Fowler, one of the show’s original characters, only to murder her in a shocking Christmas Day twist. His final appearance, in January 2007, saw his character confess to the crime before falling to his death.
Brooks’s sons described their father as someone who “shunned the limelight,” despite his dazzling career. “His three true loves were family, Fulham Football Club, and spending time in Brighton, where he was born,” they said in a statement reported by the BBC and Daily Mail. The family also revealed that Brooks was among the celebrity Fulham fans who fought to save the club from a proposed merger with QPR in the 1980s—a campaign that saw him wear a "Save Fulham" badge during an interview on the popular chat show Wogan.
Brooks’s mainstream successes continued into the 1980s with two primetime series. In Big Deal, he played Robbie Box, a lovable rogue gambler whose exploits at the poker table and at the races made him one of television’s most beloved working-class characters. The chemistry between Brooks and his co-star Sharon Duce, who played his partner Jan, was so well received that the pair reunited for later projects, including Running Wild and Growing Pains.
His television credits from the 1960s and 1970s read like a who’s who of classic British television: Danger Man, Dixon of Dock Green, Emergency-Ward 10, The Avengers, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), and Z Cars. Brooks also found success on the big screen, appearing in the 1965 film The Knack... and How to Get It—which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes—Carry On Abroad (1972), and the 1966 Doctor Who movie Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.
His talents were not limited to acting. Brooks’s distinctive voice became a familiar presence in British homes through thousands of adverts for brands such as Guinness, Whiskas, Marmite, and R Whites Lemonade. He also lent his narration to other children’s shows, including The Pickwick Papers and thirty episodes of Jackanory, reading stories to young viewers.
On the stage, Brooks performed in Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends alongside Richard Briers, Peter Bowles, and Phyllida Law, and starred opposite Felicity Kendal in Tom Stoppard’s On The Razzle. His range and professionalism earned him the respect of peers and audiences alike, even if he himself was modest about his abilities. In a past interview with Sussex Life, Brooks said, “I don’t think I was ever that good an actor. I was more an image of a young man.” He added, “I was never as good looking as, say, my contemporary, David Hemmings. And don’t forget this was the period of Terence Stamp. So there was a lot of competition.”
Despite his achievements, Brooks remained grounded. His sons recalled that he was happiest away from the spotlight, focusing on family and his passions. Brooks married his wife Sadie in 2016, and together they had sons Will and Tom, and a daughter, Emma, who sadly died in 2003. The family shared that Brooks spent his last years living with dementia but died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, many recalling the warmth and wit that Brooks brought to every role. For those who grew up with Mr Benn, his voice remains synonymous with childhood wonder. For others, his performances in hard-hitting dramas and soaps showcased his remarkable range and depth.
Brooks’s legacy is one of quiet excellence, humility, and enduring influence. Whether as the voice behind a magical adventure, the face of social change, or the heart of a family man, Ray Brooks left an indelible mark on British culture—and on the hearts of those who watched, listened, and loved his work.
