Ray Brooks, the beloved British actor whose voice and presence graced television, film, and radio for more than five decades, has died at the age of 86. Brooks passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, after a short illness, with his family by his side, according to BBC and multiple other outlets. He had been living with dementia for several years prior to his death, a condition his family shared he faced with quiet dignity.
Born on April 20, 1939, in Brighton, Brooks’s career spanned an extraordinary range of genres and mediums, making him a familiar face—and voice—to generations of viewers. As his sons, Will and Tom, told BBC, “His three true loves were family, Fulham Football Club, and spending time in Brighton, where he was born.” Despite his extensive résumé, Brooks’s family said he always believed his most enduring legacy was his work as the narrator of Mr Benn, the classic children’s animated series that ran from 1971 to 1972. “People continually asked him to say the catchphrase ‘as if by magic!’” his sons recalled, reflecting on his enduring popularity among fans young and old.
Though only 13 episodes of Mr Benn were ever made, their charm and Brooks’s warm narration ensured they were repeated twice a year for 21 years, embedding the show deep in British popular culture. The whimsical adventures of the bowler-hatted Mr Benn, who ventured into a magical fancy dress shop, became a staple of childhood for millions. As Steve Rosenberg, BBC News Russia editor, shared on social media, Mr Benn was his “favourite TV show as a kid,” a sentiment echoed by many who paid tribute after Brooks’s passing.
Brooks’s career, however, was far more than a single role. He first appeared on television in the early 1960s, with credits in the 1960 miniseries Julius Caesar and The Secret Kingdom. He soon landed a starring role as Terry Mills in Taxi! (1963–1964), where he played a young Londoner learning the ropes of the city’s taxi trade. Around the same time, he appeared on the legendary soap Coronation Street as Norman Phillips, making him one of the rare actors to have starred in both of Britain’s iconic soaps.
His film career took off with the 1965 Richard Lester comedy The Knack… And How to Get It. Brooks played Tolen, a character whose exploits with women provided a wry commentary on Swinging London. The film was a critical and commercial hit, earning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Brooks’s versatility was on full display in roles ranging from the gritty realism of Ken Loach’s Cathy Come Home (1966)—where he played Reg, a father figure in a drama about homelessness—to the zany world of Carry On Abroad and the 1966 Doctor Who movie Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.
Brooks’s television work in the 1980s and beyond cemented his status as a household name. He starred as gambler Robbie Box in the BBC’s Big Deal (1984–1986), a role that saw him reunited with Sharon Duce in the drama Growing Pains. In Running Wild (1987–1989), he played a former Teddy Boy struggling with a midlife crisis, a part that showcased his comedic timing and dramatic depth.
For many, Brooks’s most memorable later role was as Joe Macer on EastEnders, the BBC’s flagship soap. Joining the cast in 2005, Brooks portrayed Pauline Fowler’s second husband, a character whose dark storyline culminated in violence and tragedy. As reported by Radio Times, Joe Macer’s arc included a harrowing confession to Dot Cotton and a dramatic exit—falling from a top-floor window after a scuffle, ending Brooks’s run on the series in early 2007. The EastEnders team paid tribute to Brooks following his death, sharing on social media that they were “deeply saddened” by his passing and that he would “always be remembered fondly by everyone that worked with him.”
Brooks’s distinctive voice was a familiar presence beyond acting roles. He narrated shows such as The Pickwick Papers and Jackanory, reading stories to young viewers in 30 episodes. His vocal talents extended to thousands of adverts, lending his rich tones to brands like Guinness, Marmite, Whiskas, and R Whites Lemonade. As The Hollywood Reporter noted, Brooks’s other credits spanned a dizzying array of television, from Danger Man and Dixon of Dock Green to The Avengers, Z Cars, Public Eye, and Emergency-Ward 10. He even graced the stage in various theatre productions, further demonstrating his range.
Colleagues and fans alike have been quick to honor his memory. Michelle Collins, who worked with Brooks on Running Wild, described him as a “lovely man,” while Robin Askwith, known for Inside No. 9 and The Madame Blanc Mysteries, called working with Brooks a “treat,” noting their later friendship as neighbors in Kew, London. Social media was awash with tributes from those touched by his work, with many recalling the warmth he brought to every role.
Despite his fame, Brooks was known for shunning the spotlight. As his sons shared, “His three true loves were family, Fulham FC and spending time in Brighton, where he was born.” He is survived by his wife, Sadie Elcombe, and his two sons, Will and Tom. His daughter, Emma, died in 2003, a loss the family has carried with quiet strength.
Reflecting on his life and career, it’s clear that Ray Brooks left an indelible mark on British culture. Whether as the voice guiding children through magical adventures, the face of drama and comedy on screens big and small, or the reassuring presence in countless commercials, Brooks’s legacy is one of versatility, warmth, and enduring talent. As the tributes continue to pour in, it’s certain that his work will continue to enchant and inspire for generations to come.
