Richard Briers blue plaque unveiled

Monday 2nd November 2015, 4:43pm

Image shows from L to R: Lucy Briers, Anne Briers

A new blue plaque has been unveiled in tribute to actor Richard Briers CBE.

Best known for his sitcom roles, Briers died at the age of 79 in February 2013.

Born in 1934, Richard Briers lived at a flat in Pepys Court, Worple Road, Raynes Park in south-west London with his parents between 1940 and 1947.

It was here that his love of showbusiness was first forged, with the local Rialto Cinema backing onto the rear garden of Pepys Court and affording Richard the opportunity to sneak in through a back door and watch the films on show during the period.

The plaque was put up by the British Comedy Society and unveiled yesterday by Richard Briers's widow, Anne, and daughters Lucy and Katie.

British Comedy Society chairman, Gareth Hughes said: "It is only fitting that a true great of British stage and screen be honoured with a plaque forever marking his former home. Some of Richard Briers's most important formative years were spent here at Pepys Court and we are delighted to recognise his contribution to British comedy with today's unveiling."

The Briers family were joined by a large group of members of the public, as well as Richard's former colleagues, Sir Michael Gambon, who starred with him in 1977-79 sitcom The Other One; Monarch Of The Glen on-screen wife Susan Hampshire OBE; and Ever Decreasing Circles co-star Peter Egan.

Funds from the event and reception will be donated to the Actors' Benevolent Fund, of which Briers's Good Life co-star, Penelope Keith, is currently President.

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