Ray Brooks was a talented English actor and voice artist known for his extensive work in television and film over a career spanning five decades. Born Raymond Michael Brooks on April 20, 1939, in Brighton, East Sussex, he began his acting journey in the early 1960s with appearances in popular shows like “Coronation Street.” He gained significant attention for his role in the 1965 film “The Knack… and How to Get It,” which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Brooks was admired for his ability to bring characters to life in a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, and children’s programming.
One of Brooks’s most cherished contributions was as the voice of the beloved 1970s children’s television series “Mr Benn.” In this role, he narrated the adventures of Mr Benn, a character who enters a magical costume shop and explores different worlds through the costumes he tries on. Although only thirteen episodes were produced, the show remained popular for over two decades due to frequent rebroadcasts, endearing Brooks to generations of young viewers who fondly remember his signature phrase, “as if by magic!”
Brooks also made a mark in television drama, notably starring in the groundbreaking BBC drama “Cathy Come Home” in the 1960s. This play, which tackled the serious issue of homelessness in Britain, became a pivotal moment in British television history and showcased Brooks’s dramatic talents powerfully. In the 1980s, he enjoyed further success with leading roles in series like “Big Deal,” where he played a gambler struggling with personal relationships, and appeared in the long-running soap opera “EastEnders” from 2005 to 2007 as Joe Macer, a character involved in a high-profile storyline.
Beyond acting in dramas and children’s television, Brooks lent his distinctive voice to numerous narrations, commercials, and radio dramas, expanding his influence in British entertainment. Despite his public career, he was known to cherish his family life deeply, his love for Fulham Football Club, and his hometown of Brighton. After a long and varied career, Ray Brooks passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, following a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on British television and film.
Ray Brooks’s life and work remain celebrated for their versatility and warmth, and he is remembered fondly by audiences and colleagues alike for the unmistakable voice and authentic characters he brought to screen and radio. His contributions, especially the iconic role in “Mr Benn” and his dramatic work, continue to be appreciated and cherished.
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