1 week Ago By [email protected] (Catriona Rigney, Susan Knox)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info TV and music star Mike Berry has passed away at the age of 82, leaving fans and friends mourning his loss.
Tributes for the Are You Being Served? star have been pouring in following the announcement of his passing. His friend Peter Stockton took to Facebook with an emotional message announcing Mike's death, writing: "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.
His last show on February 23rd at The Half Moon was a sell out, and was testimony to his superb talent." Peter continued: "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", reports the Mirror .
The news of Mike's 'sudden' death was further confirmed by musician David Stark, who expressed his shock and sorrow on Facebook: "More sad news unfortunately, I'm shocked and saddened to learn we've lost Mike Berry quite suddenly, as our mutual pal and his manager Peter Stockton has just posted. "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." Berry initially made waves with his chart-topping hits, Don't You Think It's Time, in 1963 and The Sunshine of Your Smile in 1980 before venturing into acting. The transition from musician to actor wasn't premeditated; it was a series of TV advert gigs that unwittingly set Berry on the acting path.
He got his major break on screen in 1979 with Worzel Gummidge, and within two years, he secured a role in the hit sitcom Are You Being Served?, appearing regularly until its conclusion in 1985. Following an illustrious musical journey, Berry gave The Voice a shot in 2016 during its fifth series, but didn't make the cut. Unfazed, he joined forces with The Solid Gold Rock'n'Roll Show for a UK tour in 2017, alongside Eden Kane, Marty Wilde, Mark Wynter, and the Wildcats.
In 2019, he hit the road once again with The Solid Gold Rock'n'Roll Show, this time with Marty Wilde, Charlie Gracie, Nancy Ann Lee (Little Miss Sixties) and the Wildcats. Most recently, Berry wowed fans with a sell-out performance at The Half Moon, a renowned live music venue in Putney, South West London, on February 23..
