Who was Mike Reid?
Mike Reid was an English comedian, actor, author and occasional television presenter. He was best known for playing Frank Butcher in the BBC soap opera EastEnders and hosting the children’s game show Runaround. He was also a popular stand-up comedian who appeared on shows like The Comedians and had a hit single with a novelty version of The Ugly Duckling. He was born in Hackney, London in 1940 and had a varied career as a stuntman, a cruise liner entertainer and a nightclub bouncer before finding fame on television.
How did Mike Reid die?
Mike Reid died of a heart attack at his home in Marbella, Spain on July 29, 2007. He was 67 years old. According to his agent David Hahn, Reid had been in good health and had a full medical check-up a few weeks before his death. He said that Reid’s death came as a great shock and that he was a very funny and generous man who would see the humorous side of any situation. Reid’s wife Shirley, who was with him when he died, said that he had been feeling unwell for a few days and had complained of chest pains. She said that he collapsed in her arms and that she tried to revive him but it was too late.
What was Mike Reid’s legacy?
Mike Reid’s death was met with an outpouring of tributes from his friends, colleagues and fans. Many of them praised his talent, charisma and warmth as a performer and a person. His former co-stars on EastEnders, such as Pam St Clement, Barbara Windsor and Adam Woodyatt, expressed their sadness and admiration for him. They said that he was a joy to work with and that he brought life and humour to his character Frank Butcher, who was one of the most popular and iconic figures on the show. Reid had left EastEnders in 2005, but had made a brief return in 2006 for a special episode. He had also appeared in other TV shows and films, such as Doctor Who, Minder, Snatch and The Final Curtain.
Reid was also remembered for his contribution to comedy and entertainment. He was regarded as one of the pioneers of the alternative comedy scene in the 1970s and 1980s, along with other comedians like Russ Abbot, Frank Carson and Bernard Manning. He had a distinctive gravelly voice and a knack for delivering jokes and stories with a cockney flair. He also had a loyal fan base who enjoyed his live shows and his books, such as Mike Reid: My Old Man and Mike Reid: The Whole Story.
Reid was survived by his wife Shirley, his four children, his stepchildren and his grandchildren. He was cremated in Spain and his ashes were scattered in the Mediterranean Sea. He was also honoured with a memorial service at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, where his friends and family celebrated his life and career. He was described as a legend, a star and a friend who would be greatly missed.
