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EastEnders actor Mike Reid dies of a massive heart attack
Last updated at 09:52am on 30.07.07Tributes to EastEnders actor Mike Reid poured in today after his death at the age of 67.
The actor and comedian, best known for playing Frank Butcher in the BBC1 soap, died after suffering a massive heart attack in Marbella in Spain, where he lived.
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Heart attack victim: Mike Reid has died
Reid, who was born in Hackney in 1940, began his career in the Sixties as a stuntman, including working as a double for Roger Moore in The Saint.
He went on to become a stand-up comic, and one of the original stars of Seventies TV series The Comedians. Later that decade he hosted ITV children's quiz show Runaround - fondly remembered for its incomprehensible rules and the incongruity of Reid as presenter.
It was not until 1987 that his big break came when he secured the part of Frank Butcher in EastEnders.
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Famous role: Mike Reid as Frank Butcher in EastEnders
Watch Frank Butcher propose to Pat in EastEnders below
He married twice, first to Sheila in 1958 and then to Shirley in 1967.
Reid had three children - a daughter and two sons. In 1990 his son Mark, 25, committed suicide by dousing himself with lighter fluid and igniting it. An inquest heard it happened after his girlfriend broke off their engagement.
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Children's TV show: Reid in Runaround show from 1976
Comedian Frank Carson, who was a close friend of Reid, said the news of the actor's death was "absolutely devastating". He added: "We have just lost our friend Bernard Manning a fortnight ago."
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Tragedy: With son Mark, who killed himself in 1990
Actor Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell in East-Enders, said: "Mike was a lovely man and a good actor. He gave me a lot of advice which has often helped me."
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Stand-up: His career began in the clubs
Pam St Clements, who played Reid's on-screen wife Pat, said: "It has come as a terrible shock. Somebody larger than life as Mike, as a person and character, seemed indestructible."
One of the soap's most memorable moments was when Frank, in a bid to win Pat back, turned up on her doorstep wearing nothing but a flashing dickie bow.
Reader views (5)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
my love goes out to mike reids daughter jane,and his three grand daughters jade lilly and i cant remember the name of his third grand daughter.we are all thinking of you jane and your dad will be sadly missed by many people.where ever you are jane take care we think of you often, all our love anna and bev,xxxxxxxxx
- Anna Bradley, st ives cambs
A truly great loss, he will be missed greatly by us all, my heart goes out to his family on this sad occasion. He brought many a laughter into my house hold when I was in England, so sad.
- Angela Mantle, australia
Anyone who saw him at the 1970s "smokers" will have witnessed a true comedian. A storyteller. Rest in peace.
- Bj, London, England
Very sad he will be missed.Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.
Mike Ried was a special guy with a great big heart.Very funny guy brought laughter to our screens. he will be missed .
- Kel, Hampshire
He made a great contribution to life, such as we know it.
God Bless.
My thoughts are with his family.
- Frank H., London
