Here is the biography of Roger Brierley:
Roger Brierley was an English actor born on June 2, 1935. He began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in numerous television productions over a 40-year period. He is best known for his roles in the TV series "Doctor Who", "Jeeves and Wooster", and "Rising Damp".
Brierley's acting style was characterized by his elegant and precisely tuned performances, often playing figures of authority such as judges, solicitors, and doctors. However, in real life, he was known for his stroppiness, curiosity, and mischief.
Brierley was the son of Arthur and Adela, who had a large pub in Cheadle Hulme. He was a red-haired, skinny, and tall boy who was bullied at school, but he went on to study accountancy and join the student group of the Stockport Garrick Society.
After qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1959, Brierley rejected the army and chose to teach at the Army Apprentice school in Carlisle. He later joined the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Hornchurch Rep, where he worked with Peter Brook's RSC ensemble.
Brierley's television career took off in the 1960s, with appearances in "The Likely Lads", "Doctor Who", and "Rising Damp". He also worked with Victoria Wood on several occasions, including the TV series "Wood and Walters" and "Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV".
Brierley was a member of the Equity Council from 1984 to 1986 and actively involved in union affairs between 1977 and 1996. He was also a joint treasurer of TACT, The Actors' Charitable Trust.
In his personal life, Brierley was passionate about Manchester United and became a spokesman for Shareholders United to fight against Murdoch's 1998 bid. He met his partner Joan in 2001 and they set up house together. Brierley died of a heart attack on September 23, 2005, at the age of 70.
