December 25th 2023.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Franklin, the beloved actor and stage and screen star. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas morning at the age of 87, after a long-term illness.
Líam Rudden, who had been given his first professional acting job by Franklin, was the first to share the news on his official Twitter account.
A spokesperson for Franklin later told the PA news agency: “We are deeply saddened by his loss. We will fondly remember him for his generosity, creative spirit, and fantastic storytelling. He is also well remembered outside of the family for his long-running career in TV and theatre, where he delighted audiences of all ages. This gave him great joy and we know his legacy will last.”
Fans flocked to pay tribute to Franklin, with many expressing their sadness at his passing and thanking him for his work as an actor. Franklin was a graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1965 with an acting diploma.
Doctor Who fans will remember him fondly for his role as Captain Mike Yates of UNIT during the Jon Pertwee era. He also reprised the role on several occasions, both on television and in Doctor Who spin-off media, and regularly attended conventions to meet fans. Most recently, a photograph of Franklin in the role of Yates appeared on screen in the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor.
In addition to his Doctor Who role, Franklin was mainly a stage actor, appearing as a regular character in several high-profile British TV programmes, including Crossroads and Emmerdale. He was also a writer, authoring the book Forest Wisdom: Radical Reform of Democracy and the Welfare State and writing novels based in the Whoniverse. Franklin even stood as a candidate for the UK Parliament for several parties and founded the Silent Majority Party.
Details of funeral arrangements will be shared soon. Sleep well, Richard. #RIP
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