His EastEnders character had a romantic storyline with Dot Cotton
The acting world is mourning the loss of former ‘EastEnders’ star Frank Barrie at the age of 88, his agent confirmed. Scott Marshall Partners, his agency, released a statement saying that Barrie died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.
The statement from the agency said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved client, Frank Barrie, at the age of 88. He died peacefully at home, with his wife Mary and daughter Julia.”
Barrie was known for his role as Edward Bishop in the BBC soap between 2010 and 2011, where he played the leader of the local church choir who had a romantic storyline with Dot Cotton, portrayed by the late June Brown.
His theatre career was notable, having been part of Sir Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre Company at the Old Vic, and he received acclaim for his performances in Shakespearean roles and other productions such as ‘The Woman In Black’ and ‘Lunch With Marlene’. His solo performance ‘Macready!’ was showcased in 65 countries around the globe and was featured at the 1982 Commonwealth Games Arts Festival in Australia.
With over 150 screen credits to his name, Barrie appeared in classic television series including ‘Emergency Ward 10’, ‘No Hiding Place’, ‘Softly, Softly’, ‘Special Branch’, ‘On Giant’s Shoulders’, and ‘Queen Of Swords’.
In 1983, he took on the role of Eglamour in the BBC TV adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘The Two Gentlemen Of Verona’. Beyond acting, he also directed successful international tours of plays like ‘Shylock’, ‘JM Barrie’, and ‘The Life And Loves Of Edith Wharton’.
Barrie is also known for an array of writing credits such as Wellington, The Family At Ham, The Devil You Know, and The Other Woman—which was aired by the BBC featuring the late Dame Thora Hird.
While studying at Hull University, where he served as president of the debating union, Barrie met his future wife. His death on June 30 has led to a stream of tributes on social media honouring the esteemed actor.
On X, previously known as Twitter, one user shared: “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 wrote: “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…..”
