Richard Briers 1934 - 2013 RIP

The actor Richard Briers has died at the age of 79. He had been suffering from the lung disease emphysema for some time, caused by years of heavy smoking.

His television career spanned almost half a century, starting in 1961 when he starred in Marriage Lines opposite Prunella Scales. Over the years he starred in countless programmes from Dixon of Dock Green and Ever Decreasing Circles to Mr Bean and Doctor Who to reading stories on Jackanory and being the original voice of the cartoon series Roobarb.

He was also a classical actor who starred in Shakesperean plays including Malvolio in Twelfth Night and the title roles in King Lear and Uncle Vanya. Briers also appeared in nine of Kenneth Branagh's films, such as Henry V (as Bardolph, 1989), Much Ado About Nothing (as Signor Leonato, 1993) and as Polonius in Hamlet (1996).

But it was his role as Tom Good in The Good Life (1975–78) that he will best be remembered. He played the part of a draughtsman in a large corporation who decides, on his 40th birthday, to give up his job and try his hand at self-sufficiency, much to the chagrin of his neighbours and his loyal (but sometimes put upon) wife in suburban Surrey. An enormously successful series, the last episode in 1978 was performed in front of the Queen.

No comedic actor will ever have such a perfect grasp of comic timing like Richard Briers. His performances in Ever Decreasing Circles were flawless.

A legend of British sitcom (and also related to Terry-Thomas), also a fine dramatic actor, too. RIP

The Good Life was a comedy classic.
It was a top show with a quality cast.

So sad yet another fine actor gone but not forgotten RIP

Sad news regarding the great Richard Briers. He made the transition between comedy, stage, and screen seem effortlessly easy. The Good Life is comedy gold, and he had the pleasure of appearing with the voluptuous Raquel Welch in Fathom. R.I.P

Dayum, rubarb lost it's custard.

The voice of children's TV, 17:40, just after newround.

Great legacy left.

I'm a kid again!!

Another sad loss to the entertainment industry. Richard Briers was a legend in his field, with memorable roles in practically everything he did. Although the Good Life and Monarch of the Glen stand out for screen, there were countless appearances in virtually every British tv show - from Lovejoy to Doctor Who. Also an accomplished stage actor with roles in King Lear, Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing. He was equally as well known for his voice work for Roobarb and Custard, Watership Down and the public information film series - 'Frances the Firefly'.

RIP Richard Briers.