The Stage

Archers favourite Middlemass dies at 87

Published Monday 11 September 2006 at 14:00

One of Britain’s best known character actors and star of long-running radio soap The Archers Frank Middlemass has died aged 87.

The fruity-voiced star appeared on stage, screen and television for more than 50 years and was best known on radio for his portrayal of Dan Archer in The Archers. On television, he was particularly memorable as the bumbling headmaster Algy Herries in Andrew Davies adaptation of RF Delderfield’s novel To Serve Them All My Days in 1980.

Meanwhile, he was also one of the original cast of Heartbeat in 1992, in which he played Dr Alex Ferrenby, and in his later career he found new fame when he was teamed with Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer in the hit sitcom As Times Goes By, in which he starred as Lionel’s unpredictable father.

Yorkshire born Middlemass began his theatre career in weekly rep before establishing himself as one of the West End’s most sought-after character actors. At the age of 84 he was touring the UK, playing Canon Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest. He died on September 8, 2006.