Upstairs Downstairs actor Christopher Beeny dies aged 78

Tributes have poured in after much-loved actor Christopher Beeny died ‘peacefully in his armchair’ aged 78.

His son Rick Blackman revealed Mr Beeny, who was known for his roles in the 1970s show Upstairs Downstairs and Last of the Summer Wine, died at home in Kent on January 3. 

He tweeted: ‘I have some sad news to impart. On Friday 3rd of January my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent. 

‘He was 78. Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair.’ 

Emmerdale script and storywriter Kathleen Beedles led tributes to him after he made a cameo appearance in the soap in 2006. 

She said Mr Beeny gave the cast and crew ‘great joy’ and it was an ‘honour’ to meet him. 

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Mr Beeny, who lived in Kent, is pictured with his wife Diana and their pet dog 

Mr Beeny is pictured (back row, second left) with his Upstairs Downstairs co-stars 

He is pictured left with his Last Of The Summer Wine co-stars Pearl Sibshaw and Dee Quemby

His son Rick Blackman revealed the actor died ‘peacefully in his armchair’ at home in Kent on January 3

Tributes have poured in from those who worked with and were influenced by him 

Beeny was best known for playing butler Edward Barnes in Upstairs Downstairs.

The popular series, which aired in the 1970s and was a ratings hit for ITV, told the story of Lord and Lady Bellamy and their upper crust household at 165 Eaton Place in Belgravia.

He also appeared In Loving Memory as Billy Henshaw opposite Dame Thora Hird and as Lenny Grove in The Grove Family.

He was also a regular guest star on Last Of The Summer Wine until 2009, when he joined the cast.

His screen debut was in The Long Memory in 1953, also opposite Dame Thora, after he trained at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art.

He went on to make regular appearance in the theatre, including in Stop The World – I Want To Get Off, Oliver! and Boeing Boeing and he toured the play There’s No Place Like A Home with ‘Allo ‘Allo’s Gorden Kaye.

Tributes have flooded in to the actor overnight, with many sharing fond memories of watching him on TV 

In later life he had cameo roles in Emmerdale and the BBC’s adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. 

Actress Sue Kelly posted: ‘In Loving Memory was filmed in my home village of Luddenden when I was a little girl. 

‘Meeting Christopher and Thora and watching them film, cemented my decision to become an actress. He was a lovely man. So sorry for your loss.’

A fan wrote: ‘Was only watching Upstairs Downstairs again recently. His war time performances were truly beautiful, so genuine and respectful. So sorry for your loss.’

Another commented: ‘Oh, how very sad. The scene in Upstairs Downstairs where Edward is comforted on the stairs by Richard Bellamy will always be a masterclass in acting and never fails to make me cry. Much love to your family.’ 

His son posted online this morning to thank people for their tributes, writing: ‘Morning twitter. I want to thank you all for the kind tributes and messages following the death of my dad. 

‘I’ve tried to answer and like as many as possible but the sheer volume has been staggering. Thank all you so much from me and the rest of the family.’  

Beeny is pictured as Edward in the 1970s TV show Upstairs Downstairs