British singer and actor Mike Berry – known as ‘The British Buddy Holly’ – has died aged 82, his manager confirmed today.
Berry, who had a 60-year music career, was the last surviving star of the BBC sitcom Are You Being Served?, playing Mr Spooner in 21 episodes between 1981 and 1985.
He was also in 23 episodes of the original Worzel Gummidge as Mr Peters from 1979 to 1981, returning in the 2019 short ‘Scatterbrook Days’ which celebrated the show.
Berry started off his showbiz career as a singer and had two 1960s hits with ‘Don’t You Think It’s Time’ and ‘Tribute to Buddy Holly’, which earned him the nickname.
He also toured with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and had a third major hit in 1980 with ‘Sunshine Of Your Smile’, but was still performing in recent years.
Berry most recently appeared in a sold-out show at the Half Moon live music pub in Putney, South West London, on February 23 with his backing band The Outlaws.
His manager and friend Peter Stockton said on Facebook today: ‘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.
Mike Berry was known for his hits ‘Don’t You Think It’s Time’ and ‘Sunshine Of Your Smile’
Mike Berry (right) was the last surviving star of the BBC’s Are You Being Served?, playing Mr Spooner in 21 episodes between 1981 and 1985. He is seen with co-star Frank Thornton (left)
(From left) Wendy Richard, John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Mike Berry and Frank Thornton appear in the ‘Grounds for Divorce’ episode of the BBC TV sitcom Are You Being Served? in 1974
Mike Berry was in 23 episodes of the original Worzel Gummidge as Mr Peters from 1979 to 1981
Mike Berry performs at Albert Lee’s 70th birthday concert at Cadogan Hall in London in 2014
Mike Berry started off his career in showbusiness as a singer and had two hits in the 1960s
Mike Berry at a Buddy Holly Educational Foundation event at Abbey Road Studios in 2014
Mike Berry appears on the TV music show ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars’ in the 1960s
‘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.’
His friend David Stark added: ‘I knew Mike for almost 50 years since 1976, one of the nicest guys in the biz always with a laugh and a smile.
‘His excellent sold-out show at the Half Moon Putney was only a few weeks ago, he was on terrific form and was due to do another one in the summer.
‘Very, very sad news indeed, RIP Mike you will be missed by everyone who knew you and your music for all these years.’
More to follow
