A former EastEnders actor has di3d. Soap and theatre star Frank Barrie has di3d at the age of 88, his agent has confirmed. According to a statement from his agency, Scott Marshall Partners, Barrie di3d peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
The statement read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the d3ath of our beloved client, Frank Barrie, at the age of 88. He di3d peacefully at home, with his wife Mary and daughter Julia.”
The Yorkshire-born actor played Edward Bishop in the BBC soap from 2010 to 2011; his character was the leader of the local church choir and embarked on a romance with Dot Cotton, played by the late June Brown.
Frank is best known for playing Edward on BBC’s EastEnders (
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BBC)
On the stage, Barrie was a member of Sir Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre Company at the Old Vic, and was praised for his numerous Shakespearean and other stage roles, including The Woman In Black and Lunch With Marlene.
His one-man show Macready! played in 65 countries worldwide, representing GB at the 1982 Commonwealth Games Arts Festival in Australia.
He played a local choirmaster before striking up a romance with Dot Branning (
Image:
BBC)
Barrie also made more than 150 screen appearances, including in shows such as Emergency Ward 10, No Hiding Place, Softly, Softly, Special Branch, On Giant’s Shoulders and Queen Of Swords.
In 1983, he played Eglamour in the BBC TV adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen Of Verona. He also found success as a director on productions of Shylock, JM Barrie and The Life And Loves Of Edith Wharton, all of which toured internationally.
Barrie’s writing credits include Wellington, The Family At Ham, The Devil You Know and The Other Woman, which was broadcast by the BBC, starring the late Dame Thora Hird.
The actor was surrounded by his family at the time of his d3ath (
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The actor met his wife while attending Hull University, where he was president of the debating union. Barrie di3d on June 30. Tributes have since poured in on social media for the late star.
One user on X, formerly known as Twitter said: “Very sad to hear about the passing of the great actor, Frank Barrie. I worked with Frank only once, but it was a rich experience. He was a gentleman, a teacher and a supportive wing man. A true man of the theatre, who will be sadly missed. RIP.”
Another penned: “Sad to hear of the passing of two great actors within the last few weeks. Wonderful onstage and even greater men off….RIP Michael G Jones and Frank Barrie……”
