Brian Rix, Baron Rix
Encyclopedia
Brian Norman Roger Rix, Baron Rix, CBE
(born 27 January 1924) is an English
actor
and charity worker. He is the younger brother of British actress Sheila Mercier
(Emmerdale
).
, the son of a Hull
shipowner, Brian Rix was educated at Bootham School
, York. He became a professional actor, briefly, when he was 17, playing with Donald Wolfit
in Cardiff. His wartime National Service began in the Royal Air Force
, but he soon after volunteered to become a Bevin Boy
, working instead as a coal miner.
, Bridlington
and Margate
, and at only 26 years old was a highly successful actor and manager. Rix was associated with the Whitehall Theatre
from 1944 until 1969, although as an actor-manager he became increasingly well known on TV as well as stage.
He became famous for his staging of Reluctant Heroes, both on tour and at the Whitehall Theatre for 4 years. The theatre specialised in farce
s, such as Simple Spymen and Dry Rot
, some of which were regularly televised. After the Whitehall Theatre, Rix moved on to the Garrick and more successes. Rix appeared in 11 films and 70 farces for BBC TV and was regularly seen on screen without his trousers on. He also made a handful of films that were well suited to his talents as a farceur such as The Night We Dropped a Clanger
(1959), The Night We Got the Bird
(1961), Don't Just Lie There, Say Something!
(1973).
He also hosted the TV series Let's Go, the first British programme to be created specifically for people who had learning disabilities. In 1980, he retired from acting, and became Secretary-General
of the National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults (Mencap)
- it became “The Royal Society” the following year - and in 1987 became its Chairman. Since 2002 the Society has been officially called the “Royal Mencap Society”, with Rix serving as its President.
on 25 November 1986 for his services to charity. On 27 January 1992, he was created a life peer
, becoming Baron Rix, of Whitehall, in the City of Westminster
and of Hornsea
in Yorkshire.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex
in 1984. After nine years as a Vice Lord Lieutenant
of London
, Lord Rix was installed as the first Chancellor
of the University of East London
on 16 July 1997.
. They had four children, including the producer
and children's author
Jamie Rix
and actress Louisa Rix
. Their daughter Shelley Elspet Rix was born with Down's syndrome
, and he has always used his name to promote public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities
. Shelley Elspet Rix died in July 2005 in Hounslow
, Greater London
.
Rix has been a radio ham
for over 50 years, and has call sign G2DQU.
.
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(born 27 January 1924) is an English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
and charity worker. He is the younger brother of British actress Sheila Mercier
Sheila Mercier
Sheila Mercier is an English actress and the elder sister of actor Brian Rix. She was born in Kingston upon Hull, England, United Kingdom....
(Emmerdale
Emmerdale
Emmerdale, is a long-running British soap opera set in Emmerdale , a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. Created by Kevin Laffan, Emmerdale was first broadcast on 16 October 1972...
).
Early years
Born in Cottingham, East Riding of YorkshireCottingham, East Riding of Yorkshire
Cottingham is a village and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It lies just to the north-west of the city of Kingston upon Hull...
, the son of a Hull
Kingston upon Hull
Kingston upon Hull , usually referred to as Hull, is a city and unitary authority area in the ceremonial county of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It stands on the River Hull at its junction with the Humber estuary, 25 miles inland from the North Sea. Hull has a resident population of...
shipowner, Brian Rix was educated at Bootham School
Bootham School
Bootham School is an independent Quaker boarding school in the city of York in North Yorkshire, England. It was founded by the Religious Society of Friends in 1823. It is close to York Minster. The current headmaster is Jonathan Taylor. The school's motto Membra Sumus Corporis Magni means "We...
, York. He became a professional actor, briefly, when he was 17, playing with Donald Wolfit
Donald Wolfit
Sir Donald Wolfit, KBE was a well-known English actor-manager.-Biography:Wolfit, who was "Woolfitt" at birth was born at New Balderton, near Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire and attended the Magnus Grammar School and made his stage début in 1920...
in Cardiff. His wartime National Service began in the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
, but he soon after volunteered to become a Bevin Boy
Bevin Boys
Bevin Boys were young British men conscripted to work in the coal mines of the United Kingdom, from December 1943 until 1948. Chosen at random from conscripts but also including volunteers, nearly 48,000 Bevin Boys performed vital but largely unrecognised service in the mines, many of them...
, working instead as a coal miner.
Career
After the war, Rix returned to the stage and in 1947 formed his own theatre company. He ran rep companies at IlkleyIlkley
Ilkley is a spa town and civil parish in West Yorkshire, in the north of England. Ilkley civil parish includes the adjacent village of Ben Rhydding and is a ward within the metropolitan borough of Bradford. Approximately north of Bradford, the town lies mainly on the south bank of the River Wharfe...
, Bridlington
Bridlington
Bridlington is a seaside resort, minor sea fishing port and civil parish on the Holderness Coast of the North Sea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It has a static population of over 33,000, which rises considerably during the tourist season...
and Margate
Margate
-Demography:As of the 2001 UK census, Margate had a population of 40,386.The ethnicity of the town was 97.1% white, 1.0% mixed race, 0.5% black, 0.8% Asian, 0.6% Chinese or other ethnicity....
, and at only 26 years old was a highly successful actor and manager. Rix was associated with the Whitehall Theatre
Trafalgar Studios
Trafalgar Studios, formerly The Whitehall Theatre until 2004, is a West End theatre in Whitehall, near Trafalgar Square, in the City of Westminster, London....
from 1944 until 1969, although as an actor-manager he became increasingly well known on TV as well as stage.
He became famous for his staging of Reluctant Heroes, both on tour and at the Whitehall Theatre for 4 years. The theatre specialised in farce
Farce
In theatre, a farce is a comedy which aims at entertaining the audience by means of unlikely, extravagant, and improbable situations, disguise and mistaken identity, verbal humour of varying degrees of sophistication, which may include word play, and a fast-paced plot whose speed usually increases,...
s, such as Simple Spymen and Dry Rot
Dry Rot (film)
Dry Rot is a 1956 British comedy film directed by Maurice Elvey and starring Ronald Shiner, Brian Rix, Peggy Mount and Sid James.The story is an adaptation of a 1954 farce by John Roy Chapman who also wrote the screenplay, in which the sketchy story plays second fiddle to the quick-paced action and...
, some of which were regularly televised. After the Whitehall Theatre, Rix moved on to the Garrick and more successes. Rix appeared in 11 films and 70 farces for BBC TV and was regularly seen on screen without his trousers on. He also made a handful of films that were well suited to his talents as a farceur such as The Night We Dropped a Clanger
The Night We Dropped a Clanger
The Night We Dropped a Clanger is a 1959 British comedy thriller film directed by Darcy Conyers and starring Brian Rix, Cecil Parker, William Hartnell and Leslie Phillips. A British secret agent takes part in a secret operation in occupied France during the Second World War...
(1959), The Night We Got the Bird
The Night We Got the Bird
The Night We Got the Bird is a 1961 British comedy film and a follow up to the 1959 film, using the same title name The Night We Dropped a Clanger, it was directed by Darcy Conyers and starring Brian Rix, Dora Bryan, Ronald Shiner and Irene Handl...
(1961), Don't Just Lie There, Say Something!
Don't Just Lie There, Say Something!
Don't Just Lie There, Say Something! is a 1973 British film based on the popular "Whitehall Farce" written by Michael Pertwee, who also wrote the screenplay.-Plot summary:...
(1973).
He also hosted the TV series Let's Go, the first British programme to be created specifically for people who had learning disabilities. In 1980, he retired from acting, and became Secretary-General
Secretary-General
-International intergovernmental organizations:-International nongovernmental organizations:-Sports governing bodies:...
of the National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults (Mencap)
Mencap
The Royal Mencap Society is a charity based in the UK that works with people with a learning disability.-Profile:Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers...
- it became “The Royal Society” the following year - and in 1987 became its Chairman. Since 2002 the Society has been officially called the “Royal Mencap Society”, with Rix serving as its President.
Honours and awards
Rix was created a Commander of Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1977, and knightedKnight Bachelor
The rank of Knight Bachelor is a part of the British honours system. It is the most basic rank of a man who has been knighted by the monarch but not as a member of one of the organised Orders of Chivalry...
on 25 November 1986 for his services to charity. On 27 January 1992, he was created a life peer
Life peer
In the United Kingdom, life peers are appointed members of the Peerage whose titles cannot be inherited. Nowadays life peerages, always of baronial rank, are created under the Life Peerages Act 1958 and entitle the holders to seats in the House of Lords, presuming they meet qualifications such as...
, becoming Baron Rix, of Whitehall, in the City of Westminster
City of Westminster
The City of Westminster is a London borough occupying much of the central area of London, England, including most of the West End. It is located to the west of and adjoining the ancient City of London, directly to the east of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and its southern boundary...
and of Hornsea
Hornsea
Hornsea is a small seaside resort, town and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England at the eastern end of the Trans Pennine Trail.-Overview:According to the 2001 UK Census, Hornsea parish had a population of 8,243....
in Yorkshire.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex
University of Essex
The University of Essex is a British campus university whose original and largest campus is near the town of Colchester, England. Established in 1963 and receiving its Royal Charter in 1965...
in 1984. After nine years as a Vice Lord Lieutenant
Lord Lieutenant
The title Lord Lieutenant is given to the British monarch's personal representatives in the United Kingdom, usually in a county or similar circumscription, with varying tasks throughout history. Usually a retired local notable, senior military officer, peer or business person is given the post...
of London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Lord Rix was installed as the first Chancellor
Chancellor (education)
A chancellor or vice-chancellor is the chief executive of a university. Other titles are sometimes used, such as president or rector....
of the University of East London
University of East London
The University of East London is a university located in the London Borough of Newham, East London, England, based at two campuses in Stratford and Docklands areas...
on 16 July 1997.
Personal life
In 1949 he married the actress Elspet GrayElspet Gray
Elspeth Jean Gray, Baroness Rix is a Scottish actress, known for her work on British television in the 1970s and '80s...
. They had four children, including the producer
Television producer
The primary role of a television Producer is to allow all aspects of video production, ranging from show idea development and cast hiring to shoot supervision and fact-checking...
and children's author
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
Jamie Rix
Jamie Rix
- Biography :Jamie Rix is the son of actor and MENCAP President Brian Rix and actress Elspet Gray. He is married to Helen and has two grown-up sons, Ben and Jack. He lives in Tooting, London....
and actress Louisa Rix
Louisa Rix
Louisa Rix is a British film and television actress.She is the daughter of the farce actor Brian Rix.-Notable appearances:...
. Their daughter Shelley Elspet Rix was born with Down's syndrome
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, or Down's syndrome, trisomy 21, is a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British physician who described the syndrome in 1866. The condition was clinically described earlier in the 19th...
, and he has always used his name to promote public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities
Developmental disability
Developmental disability is a term used in the United States and Canada to describe lifelong disabilities attributable to mental or physical impairments, manifested prior to age 18. It is not synonymous with "developmental delay" which is often a consequence of a temporary illness or trauma during...
. Shelley Elspet Rix died in July 2005 in Hounslow
London Borough of Hounslow
-Political composition:Since the borough was formed it has been controlled by the Labour Party on all but two occasions. In 1968 the Conservatives formed a majority for the first and last time to date until they lost control to Labour in 1971. Labour subsequently lost control of the council in the...
, Greater London
Greater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
.
Rix has been a radio ham
Amateur radio operator
An amateur radio operator is an individual who typically uses equipment at an amateur radio station to engage in two-way personal communications with other similar individuals on radio frequencies assigned to the amateur radio service. Amateur radio operators have been granted an amateur radio...
for over 50 years, and has call sign G2DQU.
Affiliations
Rix is the author of two biographies, My Farce From My Elbow (1974) and Farce About Face (1989), and two theatre histories, Tour de Farce and Life in the Farce Lane. He also edited, compiled and contributed to Gullible's Travails, an anthology of travel stories by famous people for the Mencap Blue Sky Appeal. His 80th birthday in 2004 marked the start of a year of fundraising and publicity for MencapMencap
The Royal Mencap Society is a charity based in the UK that works with people with a learning disability.-Profile:Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers...
.
Filmography
- Reluctant HeroesReluctant HeroesReluctant Heroes is a 1951 British, Technicolor, comedy film, directed by Jack Raymond and starring Ronald Shiner as Sergeant Bell or as Sergeant Able It was produced by Henry Halsted and Byron Film.-Plot summary:...
(1951) - Up to His NeckUp to His NeckUp to His Neck is a 1954 British comedy film directed by John Paddy Carstairs and starring Ronald Shiner as Jack Carter, Hattie Jacques as Rakiki and Anthony Newley as Tommy.-Cast:* Ronald Shiner as Jack Carter* Brian Rix as Wiggy* Laya Raki as Lao Win Tan...
(1954) - What Every Woman WantsWhat Every Woman Wants (1954 film)What Every Woman Wants is a 1954 British comedy film directed by Maurice Elvey and starring William Sylvester, Elsie Albiin and Brenda De Banzie. It was based on a play Relations Are Best Apart by Edwin Lewis...
(1954) - Dry RotDry Rot (film)Dry Rot is a 1956 British comedy film directed by Maurice Elvey and starring Ronald Shiner, Brian Rix, Peggy Mount and Sid James.The story is an adaptation of a 1954 farce by John Roy Chapman who also wrote the screenplay, in which the sketchy story plays second fiddle to the quick-paced action and...
(1956) - Not Wanted on VoyageNot Wanted on VoyageNot Wanted on Voyage is a 1957 British comedy film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring Ronald Shiner as Steward Albert Higgins.-Cast:* Ronald Shiner as Steward Albert Higgins* Brian Rix as Steward Cecil Hollebone* Catherine Boyle as Julie Hains...
(1957) - The Night We Dropped a ClangerThe Night We Dropped a ClangerThe Night We Dropped a Clanger is a 1959 British comedy thriller film directed by Darcy Conyers and starring Brian Rix, Cecil Parker, William Hartnell and Leslie Phillips. A British secret agent takes part in a secret operation in occupied France during the Second World War...
(1959) - And the Same to YouAnd the Same to YouAnd the Same to You is a 1960 film directed by George Pollock. It stars Brian Rix and William Hartnell.-Cast:*Brian Rix as Dickie 'Dreadnought' Marchant*William Hartnell as Walter 'Wally' Burton*Leo Franklyn as Rev...
(1960) - The Night We Got the BirdThe Night We Got the BirdThe Night We Got the Bird is a 1961 British comedy film and a follow up to the 1959 film, using the same title name The Night We Dropped a Clanger, it was directed by Darcy Conyers and starring Brian Rix, Dora Bryan, Ronald Shiner and Irene Handl...
(1961) - Nothing BarredNothing BarredNothing Barred is a 1961 British comedy film directed by Darcy Conyers and starring Brian Rix, Leo Franklyn and Naunton Wayne.-Main cast:* Brian Rix - Wilfred Sapling* Leo Franklyn - Barger* Naunton Wayne - Lord Whitebait* Charles Heslop - Spankworth...
(1961) - One for the Pot (1968)
- Don't Just Lie There, Say Something!Don't Just Lie There, Say Something!Don't Just Lie There, Say Something! is a 1973 British film based on the popular "Whitehall Farce" written by Michael Pertwee, who also wrote the screenplay.-Plot summary:...
(1973)