Television performer Ray Brooks has passed away at 86 years old following a brief period of illness. The veteran actor died on Saturday, his family confirmed to the BBC.
Brooks achieved widespread recognition as the narrator of the beloved children’s programme Mr Benn during the 1970s.
He also portrayed the principal male character in the pioneering BBC production Cathy Come Home in the 1960s.
His extensive television career encompassed five decades of British broadcasting. The actor had been living with dementia during his final years, according to his family.
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Brooks’s death marks the end of a remarkable journey through British television history. During the 1980s, Brooks secured consecutive leading parts in major television series.
He portrayed Robbie Box, a charming gambling enthusiast, in the BBC’s Big Deal, followed by the comedic protagonist Max Wild in ITV’s Running Wild.
Brooks achieved the uncommon distinction of featuring in Britain’s two most prominent soap operas.
He appeared as Norman Philips in Coronation Street during the 1960s, then joined EastEnders four decades later as Joe Macer, the character responsible for killing Pauline Fowler.
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RIP to the great Ray Brooks – Robbie Box in Big Deal, one of my all time fave shows pic.twitter.com/OWBpK4JK9F
— Paul Maidment (@paulmaidment) August 10, 2025
His television appearances throughout the 1960s and 1970s encompassed numerous landmark programmes, including Danger Man, Dixon of Dock Green, Emergency-Ward 10, The Avengers, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and Z Cars.
Brooks’s sons Will and Tom revealed their father believed his most recognisable work was Mr Benn, stating he was “continually” approached by fans requesting he recite the famous line “as if by magic!”.
They noted that despite only 13 episodes being produced, the series was broadcast twice annually for 21 years.
The actor’s distinctive voice secured him numerous narration opportunities, including The Pickwick Papers and 30 instalments of Jackanory.
He also provided voiceovers for thousands of commercial advertisements for brands such as Guinness, Whiskas, Marmite and R Whites Lemonade.
Brooks’s film career included the Palme d’Or-winning The Knack… and How to Get It in 1965, playing Georgio the waiter in Carry On Abroad, and battling Daleks and Cybermen in the 1966 Doctor Who film Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 AD.
His theatrical work included performances in Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends alongside Richard Briers, Peter Bowles and Phyllida Law, plus a role opposite Felicity Kendal in Tom Stoppard’s On The Razzle.
Despite his public profile, Brooks “shunned the limelight” according to his sons, who identified his “three true loves” as family, Fulham Football Club and Brighton, his birthplace.
Deeply saddened to hear that Mr Voiceover Ray Brooks has passed away. For me he’ll be remembered as Mr Benn drinking R Whites in 1991 🙁 pic.twitter.com/FjDJ8HgYVT
— UKADS (@ukads3) August 10, 2025
He actively campaigned against Fulham’s potential merger with QPR during the 1980s, even sporting a “Save Fulham” badge whilst appearing on Wogan.
Brooks passed away peacefully on Saturday, surrounded by family members. His sons also mentioned their sister Emma, who died in 2003.