25 December 2023 , 19:23
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Doctor Who legend Richard Franklin has died aged 87.
In a statement, Líam Rudden said: "It is with great sadness, that the family of Richard Franklin have asked me to share news of his passing, early this morning. Richard passed away peacefully in his sleep. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared here when announced. Sleep well Richard. #RIP."
Richard was best known for playing Captain Mike Yates of UNIT in the BBC sci-fi drama Doctor Who between 1971 and 1974, until he was replaced by Jon Pertwee. Although he officially hung up his boots on the show, Richard continued writing books based on the drama.
The late actor died aged 87 on Christmas morningFans have since rushed to social media to pay tribute to the actor who also appeared in Emmerdale and Crossroads, with one writing: "R.I.P to Richard Franklin, who played the brilliant Captain Mike Yates between Series 7 and Series 11 of Classic #DoctorWho, as well as reprising the role for Anniversary Specials like 'The Five Doctors' and 'Dimensions in Time'."
Another typed: "O Captain, my Captain. Very sad to read of the passing of Richard Franklin. A very lovely man. Condolences to his family and friends." Meanwhile, a third penned: "It’s # Christmas and it’s a time for joy and celebration, but I’m incredibly sad to learn of the passing of Richard Franklin who played Captain Yates in the classic era of #DoctorWho today."
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A sci-fi fan account tweeted: "Richard Franklin, 15th January 1936 - 25th December 2023. We are sad to hear of the death of the actor and playwright best known to the devoted fans of #DoctorWho as Mike Yates, a role he played regularly from 1971 to 1974 and in later media."
Away from the screen, Richard also appeared on stage in various theatre productions and was known for his book, Forest Wisdom: Radical Reform of Democracy and the Welfare State. He also tried his hand at politics and stood for Parliament for several parties, before founding the Silent Majority Party, which received 78 votes.
He also went on to found the 30-5o coalition, with Elliot Ball being the candidate in the 2015 general election in Bethnal Green and Bow, east London.
Before his death, Richard maintained a low profile, with his last acting credit being as an Engineer in the 2016 American movie, Rogue One. The late actor trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he won the Jenny Laird prize.