Singer and actor Mike Berry dies

The actor and singer has died aged 82…

Mike Berry, best known for his work in the rock and roll and pop scenes during the 1960s and for his role in BBC One sitcom Are You Being Served? has died aged 82 a friend of the performer announced today on social media.

“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. 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. His last show on February 23rd 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.” –Peter Stockton, friend of Mike Berry posting on Facebook

Frank Thornton as Captain Peacock, Vivienne Johnson as nurse, Arthur English as Mr Harman, Nicholas Smith as Mr Rumbold, Mike Berry as Mr Spooner, John Inman as Mr Humphries, Kenneth Waller as Old Mr Grace and Debbie Linden as the secretary in a 1981 episode of Are You Being Served? / BBC PR

Born Michael Hubert Bourne on the 24th of September, 1942, in Northampton, Berry began his career as a singer in the early 1960s, emerging as part of the rock and roll wave influenced by American acts like Buddy Holly. He was discovered by legendary – but troubled – producer Joe Meek, who helped shape his early sound. One of his most famous hits is “Tribute to Buddy Holly” (1961), which gained him significant attention in the UK. Other notable singles include “Don’t You Think It’s Time”, “My Little Baby”, and “On My Mind”.

Mike was known for his clean-cut image and although he never reached the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, Berry remained a respected figure in music, performing up until February this year and often appearing in rock and roll revival shows.

In 1980 he had his last memorable hit with “The Sunshine of Your Smile” and the following year in a surprise move was hired by BBC bosses to replace Trevor Bannister’s Mr Lucas character in department store sitcom Are You Being Served?. Cast as the nice, somewhat hapless and naive (the complete opposite of Bannister’s character) Mr Spooner in the long-running saucy comedy Mike remained with the show until it finally ended in 1985. The last episode saw his character become a famous singer having performed at a London department stores talent event in which he was spotted by a record company.

Mike Berry as Mr Spooner, John Inman as Mr Humphries in a ‘menswear scene’ from Are You Being Served? / BBC PR

Other acting parts included in Southern Television’s Worzel Gummidge in a guest spot alongside Jon Pertwee and as a sketch performer with The Two Ronnies – Barker and Corbett – on BBC One. He was also a regular and popular performer in numerous festive pantomimes.

Berry had continued to perform live at nostalgia concerts and rock ‘n’ roll revival tours across Europe. His Buddy Holly tribute was a fan favourite and became popular at many sold out gigs where he brought the spirit of 50s and 60s British pop to stages small and big over the past 40 years.