Organised by Actors Benevolent FundFrank Barrie 1936 – 2025 Frank was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was an acclaimed actor, writer and director whose career spanned more than five decades. Frank died peacefully at home with his wife and daughter.
Born in Yorkshire, Frank made his theatre debut in 1959 at York Theatre Royal in Henry IV Part 2 and subsequently joining the Bristol Old Vic where he became the company’s youngest leading man.
He was a leading member of Sir Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre Company at The Old Vic where he performed major roles including Bassanio to Olivier’s Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. He starred in Lunch with Marlene, a tribute to Noel Coward and Marlene Dietrich.
He will be remembered by many for his role as Edward Bishop in Eastenders and for his other numerous screen appearances in shows such as Emergency Ward 10, No Hiding Place and Eglamour in the BBC TV adaptation of Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen Of Verona.
Frank's writing credits include Wellington, The Family At Ham, The Devil You Know and The Other Woman, which was broadcast His solo show Macready! won him the London Critics Plays and Players Award for Best Actor when it was performed in the West End.
He will be missed by all.
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