Crown star Stephen Greif dies aged 78: Friends pay tribute to ‘wonderful’ actor whose roles have included ‘Blake’s 7’, ‘EastEnders’, ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Citizen Smith’
- The veteran character actor played Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill in the fourth season of Netflix’s Smash The Crown in 2020
- Griffin had previously had a recurring role as the villainous space commander Travis on the late Seventies sci-fi series Blake’s 7
- However, the Hertfordshire-born actor was already well established after starring alongside Robert Lindsay on the sitcom Citizen Smith
- Greif’s other notable accomplishments have included fleeting roles on long-running soap operas such as Coronation Street and EastEnders, Waking The Dead and Doctor Who
Actor Stephen Greif, best known for his roles in The Crown and cult sci-fi drama Blake’s 7, has died at the age of 78, his agent confirmed on Monday.
The veteran character actor played Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill in the fourth season of Netflix’s Smash The Crown in 2020 after more than five decades in the industry.
Griffin had previously had a recurring role as the villainous space commander Travis in the late Seventies sci-fi series Blake’s 7, a character famous for his eye patch and prosthetic arm.
Tragic: Actor Stephen Greif, best known for his roles in The Crown and cult sci-fi drama Blake’s 7, has died at the age of 78, his agent confirmed on Monday
However, the Hertfordshire-born actor was already well established, having starred opposite Robert Lindsay in the hugely popular sitcom Citizen Smith and playing seedy pub owner Harry Fenning in three series alongside Lindsay’s titular Marxist.
His representatives at Michelle Braidman Associates confirmed his death in a statement on Boxing Day, writing: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful client Stephen Greif.
“His extensive career has spanned numerous roles on screen and stage, including at the National Theatre, RSC and the West End.
“We will miss him greatly and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
The actor’s other notable achievements have included fleeting roles on long-running soap operas Coronation Street and EastEnders, 1970s spy drama The Sandbaggers, Waking The Dead, The Witcher and Doctor Who.
Bleak House and Sherlock actor Phil Davies wrote of his death: “Very sad, a very fine actor and a kind and sensitive man. We played a little golf together. REST IN PEACE.’
Actress Judy Jarvis added: “Devastated to hear that brilliant actor and fascinating scholar Stephen Greif has passed away.
“I absolutely loved working with him at Citizen Smith a long time ago and have met with him several times since. Condolences and sympathy to his family and friends.’
Actor David Kennedy also paid tribute to the star, writing: “Such sad news. I have only worked once with Stephen on the NT. He was an absolute professional and an absolute gentleman. RIP Sir and condolences to his family.’
Elsewhere, Doctor Who actor Barnaby Edwards added: “A rock-solid performer with a voice as fluid and deadly as molten lava. When it came to playing villains, he was second to none.
“His snappy wit and obvious intelligence made him a pleasure to direct. Thanks for the fun Stephen.”