Actor Stephen Greif, best known for his roles in The Crown and cult sci-fi drama Blake’s 7, has died aged 78, his agent confirmed on Monday.
The veteran actor played Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill in the fourth season of the 2020 Netflix hit The Crown.
Griffin previously had a recurring role as the evil space commander Travis, a character known for his eyepatch and prosthetic arm, on the late 1970s science fiction series Blake’s 7.
Tragic: Actor Stephen Greif, best known for his roles in The Crown and cult sci-fi drama Blake’s 7, has died aged 78, his agent confirmed on Monday
However, the Hertfordshire-born actor was already well established, having starred opposite Robert Lindsay in the hugely popular sitcom Citizen Smith and playing ugly bar owner Harry Fenning in three series alongside Lindsay’s titular Marxist.
His representatives at Michelle Braidman Associates confirmed his death in a statement on Boxing Day: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful client Stephen Greif.
“His extensive career spanned numerous roles on screen and stage, including at the National Theatre, RSC and the West End.
“We will miss him very much and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Key role: The veteran character actor played Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill in the fourth season of the Netflix hit The Crown in 2020 (pictured)
Old times: Griffin previously had a recurring role as the evil space commander Travis in the late 1970s sci-fi series Blake’s 7, a character known for her eyepatch
The actor’s other notable credits include brief roles in long-running soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders, 1970s spy drama The Sandbaggers, Waking The Dead, The Witcher and Doctor Who.
Bleak House and Sherlock actor Phil Davies wrote of his death: “Very sad, a very good actor and a kind and sensitive man. We played a little golf together. REST IN PEACE.’
Actress Judy Jarvis added: “Devastated to learn that the brilliant actor and fascinating scholar Stephen Greif has passed away.
Drama: Greif as Detective Superintendent Gomez in a 1978 episode of The Sandbaggers
Farewell: Friends and family paid tribute to the popular actor whose career spanned more than five decades
Starring: The actor in a scene from the armchair thriller episode Rachel in Danger
“I absolutely loved working with him at Citizen Smith a long time ago and have met with him several times since then. Condolences and condolences to his family and friends.’
Actor David Kennedy also paid tribute to the star, writing: “Such sad news. I have only worked with Stephen once on the NT. He was an absolute professional and an absolute gentleman. RIP sir and condolences to his family.”
Elsewhere, Doctor Who actor Barnaby Edwards added: “A rock-solid performer with a voice as liquid and deadly as molten lava. When it came to playing villains, he was second to none.
His wit and clear intelligence made him a joy to direct. Thanks for the fun Stephen.”
Guest Star: Other roles included a bit part in the 1980s drama Boon (portrayed in a 1986 episode).
Rest in peace: Tributes from fans of the actor poured in as the news of his death spread on social media
Born in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, Griffin attended and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, then joined the National Theater Company at the Old Vic and Southbank.
After starring in numerous stage productions throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, he made the move to the screen and landed the role of Space Commander Travis in Blake’s 7.
The show ran from 1978 to 1981, starring Griffin alongside Gareth Thomas, Paul Darrow, Michael Keating and Sally Knyvette.
He also played Signor Donato in Casanova and Commander John Shepherd in Shoot On Sight before landing one of his final roles as Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill in series four of The Crown in 2020.
Cheers: Griffin raises a glass in the TV thriller Nightmare for a Nightingale, one of his many acting roles
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Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
