British actor and singer Mike Berry dead at 82
British actor and singer Mike Berry, best known for his role on the hit show Are You Being Served?, has died at the age of 82.
Berry’s manager, Peter Stockton, confirmed his death on Facebook, writing: “It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform everyone that the legendary Mike Berry died peacefully this morning, his family members by his bedside.”
Stockton continued: “As we all know, Mike was an amazing, highly talented performer whose career spanned 64 years – his first hit being the haunting ‘Tribute to Buddy Holly’ in 1961.”
In his tribute, Stockton also revealed that Berry took to the stage one last time earlier this year at The Half Moon in Putney, writing, “His last show on February 23 at The Half Moon was a sell out, and was testimony to his superb talent. He was also a gifted actor, highlighted by his performances in the iconic comedy Are You Being Served?“
“A tragic loss to our world of music. And I hope that he is now having a laugh with many of his old pals up in heaven,” Stockton concluded.
Berry’s website states that he performed with The Beatles before they became famous in 1962 and impressed John Lennon, who wanted to write him a song. However, the Fab Four soon became the biggest band in the world, and Lennon was too busy to pursue the idea.
In the 1960s, Berry had two hit singles ‘Don’t You Think It’s Time’ and ‘Tribute to Buddy Holly’ but later moved into acting, becoming a sitcom star during the ’70s. His musical career enjoyed a revival in 1980 with the success of ‘The Sunshine of Your Smile’. Berry’s final album, About Time Too, was released in 2005 but he continued to perform regularly.
No cause of death has been revealed.
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