Frank Barrie (19 Sept 1936 – 30 June 2025)
We are extremely sad to 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.
Born in Scarborough, he made his stage debut in Henry IV Part 2 at York Theatre Royal, and was praised for his subsequent performances in repertory theatres nationwide and many Shakespeare roles with the Bristol Old Vic. He joined the National Theatre in 1969, and played many leads in Laurence Olivier’s company, including Mirabell in The Way of the World with Geraldine McEwan, Wendoll in A Woman Killed with Kindness with Joan Plowright, and Bassanio to Olivier’s Shylock in The Merchant of Venice.
His extensive stage work includes London appearances as the title role in The Admirable Crichton, Arthur Kipps in The Woman in Black and Noël Coward in Lunch with Marlene, with Kate O’Mara. He performed his own solo show Macready! in 65 countries worldwide, including the West End, winning the London Critics Plays and Players Award for Best Actor.
His most recent screen appearance was on EastEnders as the choir master Edward Bishop, a gentleman friend of June Brown’s Dot Cotton.
Frank’s joie de vivre, wit, and skill as a raconteur made him great fun to spend time with, and he was very supportive of young actors. He will be greatly missed.
The funeral will be on Mon 21 July at 12noon at Honor Oak Crematorium, Brockley Way, London SE4 2LW. Family flowers only please.
A JustGiving page has been set up in aid of the Actors Benevolent Fund: justgiving.com/campaign/abf-frankbarrie