Ray Brooks, whose distinctive voice and remarkable presence charmed British audiences for over five decades, passed away on 9 August 2025 at the age of 86. His death, after a short illness while living with dementia, prompted an outpouring of tributes reflecting the breadth and warmth of his impact across UK film, television, and popular culture.
Early Life and Entry into Acting
Ray Brooks was born in Brighton on 20 April 1939, the only child of a single mother who worked as a bus conductor. Brighton would remain a special place for Brooks throughout his life. His upbringing instilled a sense of independence and resilience that would shape both his acting style and his relationship with British audiences.
Ray Brooks began his professional career in the early 1960s, finding his feet amid the thriving worlds of post-war television and theatre. His earliest credited appearances included fleeting but memorable roles in “Coronation Street”, establishing his affinity with everyday British life.
Breakthrough and Iconic Roles
Ray Brooks’ rise to fame coincided with the cultural shifts of the 1960s. In 1965, he starred as the enigmatic Tolen in Richard Lester’s “The Knack… and How to Get It”. The film captured the spirit of Swinging London and went on to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes, marking a formative moment in British cinema.
A year later, Ray Brooks delivered an acclaimed performance as Reg Ward in Ken Loach’s television play “Cathy Come Home”. The gritty drama, which highlighted the realities of homelessness and the housing crisis, is still recognised as one of British television’s most impactful broadcasts. Brooks’ sensitive yet steadfast portrayal helped shift public perceptions and is credited with prompting changes in UK social policy at the time.
The Voice of Mr Benn and a Family Favourite
Among generations of children and their families, Ray Brooks will be forever remembered as the narrator of the beloved animated series “Mr Benn”. Premiering in 1971, the programme featured only 13 episodes, yet they were repeated twice annually for over two decades. Brooks’ catchphrase, “as if by magic!”, became woven into British pop culture. His sons recalled that Mr Benn remained the role most associated with their father, thanks to the enduring affection from viewers.
Brooks also voiced the much-loved storytelling programme “Jackanory” and provided narration for countless commercials, lending his signature sound to brands from Guinness to Marmite.
Master of TV Drama and Comedy
Brooks’ television career included starring or supporting roles in a roster of UK classics. He played Norman Phillips in “Coronation Street” and Joe Macer in “EastEnders”, straddling the nation’s most recognisable soap operas across five decades. Joe Macer’s storyline on EastEnders, where Brooks played Pauline Fowler’s husband and her eventual killer, was one of the show’s most memorable plotlines.
His portrayal of gambler Robbie Box in the BBC’s “Big Deal” (1984–86) made him an iconic working-class hero, and “Running Wild” (1987–89) offered viewers another glimpse of Brooks’ versatility as a comedic lead navigating midlife crises. In “Growing Pains”, he reunited with Sharon Duce from “Big Deal” in a series about fostering children, continuing his commitment to roles reflecting everyday struggles and joys.
Film and Stage Achievements
Brooks made a lasting mark in film, notably appearing in “Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.” (1966), “Carry On Abroad” (1972), and “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1972). On stage, he worked alongside top British talents in productions such as “Absent Friends” and “On the Razzle”, directed by Alan Ayckbourn and Tom Stoppard respectively.
Personal Life and Private Passions
Brooks’ private life was marked by a deep love for family, Fulham Football Club, and his hometown of Brighton. He suffered personal tragedy with the loss of his daughter, Emma, in 2003, but found solace in close relationships with wife Sadie Elcombe and his sons Will and Tom.
Despite fame, Brooks remained grounded, cherishing time with family over pursuit of celebrity. Interviews often revealed his humility and warmth, emphasising how fan encounters for Mr Benn gave him genuine joy.
Tributes and Enduring Influence
Brooks’ passing saw heartfelt tributes from fellow actors, industry professionals, and fans. Many noted his ability to navigate both comedy and drama, his quietly transformative work in “Cathy Come Home”, and the lasting joy Mr Benn brought to British childhoods.
His career also reflected larger shifts in British society, both in the gritty realism of his dramatic roles and the wholesome escapism of children’s television. Brooks’ distinctive voice, gentle humour, and relatable characters leave a profound legacy. His five-decade career is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and connection with audiences.
Final Thoughts: Remembering Ray Brooks
As the UK reflects on Ray Brooks’ life and work, it is clear his legacy will endure. Brooks helped define modern British television, shifting seamlessly between genres and generations. Whether narrating magical adventures, confronting real-life social issues, or grounding soap operas with everyday wisdom, Brooks was an actor who made a difference.
For viewers old and young, Ray Brooks brought comfort, authenticity, and laughter—a gift that will linger as “if by magic” for years to come.
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