Raymond Michael Brooks, popularly known as Ray Brooks, died on August 9 at the age of 86.

His family confirmed the news to the BBC, sharing that he died following a short illness. The family also told the BBC that Brooks was coping with dementia in recent years, though they did not share the exact year it began.

Born in 1939 in England, Brooks was famous for working on projects like The Knack… And How To Get It, Coronation Street, Two People, and Running Wild. He also gave his voice to the TV series Mr. Benn and the podcast series Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures.

Additionally, he was known for playing the role of Joe Macer from 2005 to 2007 in the TV series EastEnders. Following the news of his death, the BBC show EastEnders uploaded a tribute post on their social media, remembering the late actor with the caption:

“We are deeply saddened to hear that Ray Brooks has passed away. Ray will always be remembered fondly by everyone that worked with him at EastEnders. Our love and thoughts are with Ray’s family and friends.”

Fans of Brooks also took to the post to remember the actor and praise his talent.

Tributes pour in following the death of Ray Brooks

Friends and former colleagues of Brooks also shared memories of him on social media, celebrating his life and career.

An independent archive film and television channel, @TalkingPicsTV, wrote on X:

“Our lovely friend Ray Brooks has left us for the cinema in the sky. His talents knew ‘The Knack,’ was always a ‘Big Deal’ and he will be forever the voice of ‘Mr Benn.’ Rest in peace dear friend.”

Actress Michelle Collins, who also worked on EastEnders, posted on X:

“RIP #RayBrooks . This was Running wild a sitcom in the 80 s , I played his daughter , lovely man , lovely job . Ah nostalgia , makes me sad xxx”

Actor Robin Askwith added on X:

“I first met Ray when he wrote the original s/track for Cool It Carol He was my early hero,a British Steve McQueen To work with him and become neighbours and friend in Kew was a magnificent treat He was brilliant and without showbiz pretention”

Actress Judy Jarvis wrote on X:

“Devastated that one of the finest actors I have worked with has died. The great Ray Brooks. I was privileged to work alongside him in Pete Walker’s The Flesh and Blood Show, & was delighted to catch up with him at the MCM Birmingham Convention.”

Leader of BMX Bandits, Duglas T Stewart, posted on X:

“I was sorry to hear that Ray Brooks has died. In 1999 I was involved in making a low budget BBC documentary about Belle & Sebastian and we got Ray to narrate it. We were fans of his work on Mr. Benn.”

To know more about Brook’s life, read this: Who is Ray Brooks? All about the British TV veteran who died at 86