EastEnders and theatre actor Frank Barrie dies aged 88

Theatre star and former EastEnders actor Frank Barrie has died aged 88.

The Scarborough-born performer handed away peacefully at residence surrounded by household, his company Scott Marshall Companions stated.

Barrie, who grew up in York, performed Dot Cotton’s love curiosity Edward Bishop in EastEnders from 2010 to 2011.

He was additionally identified for his quite a few Shakespearean roles on stage and was a member of Sir Laurence Olivier’s Nationwide Theatre Firm on the Outdated Vic.

The assertion from his company learn: “It’s with nice disappointment that we announce the dying of our beloved consumer, Frank Barrie, on the age of 88.

“He died peacefully at residence, along with his spouse Mary and daughter Julia.”

BBC EastEnders additionally paid tribute to the actor, writing on X: “We’re deeply saddened to listen to that Frank Barrie has handed away.

“Our love and ideas are with Frank’s household and associates.”

Barrie attended Archbishop Holgate’s Faculty in York, earlier than going to the College of Hull the place he met his spouse.

He made his appearing debut at York Theatre Royal in 1959, in a manufacturing of Henry IV Half 2.

The actor went on to star in The Girl In Black and Lunch With Marlene, and his one-man present Macready! performed in 65 international locations.

Barrie additionally made greater than 150 display screen appearances, together with in exhibits similar to Emergency Ward 10, No Hiding Place, Softly, Softly, Particular Department, On Large’s Shoulders and Queen Of Swords.

In 1983, he performed Eglamour within the BBC TV adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Two Gents Of Verona.

He additionally discovered success as a director on productions of Shylock, JM Barrie and The Life And Loves Of Edith Wharton, all of which toured internationally.