Brian Rix, a renowned British actor and politician, was born in east Yorkshire and began his acting career at the age of 18 with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He served in the Royal Air Force and later worked as a volunteer Bevin Boy in Doncaster's coal mines.
Rix's professional acting career took off in the 1950s, when he became an actor-manager and founded his own company of comic performers. He enjoyed a long period of popular success with his farces, including Dry Rot and Chase Me, Comrade, at the Whitehall Theatre and later the Garrick Theatre.
In addition to his acting career, Rix was a passionate advocate for people with learning disabilities. He was married to actress Elspet Gray for 64 years and they had four children together, including Shelley, who was born with Down's syndrome. Rix became involved with the National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults, now known as Mencap, and was president of the organization from 1980 until his death in 2016.
Rix was also a champion of arts funding and chaired the Arts Council of Great Britain's drama panel from 1986 to 1993. During his tenure, he worked to increase funding for a wider range of performers, including women and ethnic minority theatre companies.
Throughout his life, Rix was recognized for his contributions to the arts and his advocacy for people with learning disabilities. He was made a life peer in 1992 and received numerous awards and honors for his work. Despite his many achievements, Rix remained humble and kind, and was beloved by his colleagues and friends in the theatre and disability communities.
