Richard Briers – Cause of Death, Wife, Net Worth and Biography

Richard Briers, the beloved British actor who brought Tom Good to life in the classic sitcom The Good Life, left an indelible mark on television comedy. His career, which spanned more than five decades, was defined by warmth, comedic timing, and a distinct everyman quality that made him a household name across the United Kingdom.

Born on 14 January 1934 in Raynes Park, Surrey, Briers began his professional acting career in 1958 and quickly became one of Britain’s most recognisable faces on screen. He died on 17 February 2013 at his home in Bedford Park, London, at the age of 79, following a long struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly described as emphysema.

What was Richard Briers’ cause of death?

Key insights about his final years

• Richard Briers died from emphysema, a lung condition reported to be linked to years of heavy smoking, according to multiple sources including Wikipedia and BBC News.
• He was 79 years old at the time of his death, having been born on 14 January 1934 in Raynes Park, Surrey.
• His death was announced by his agent via a Facebook post, which was widely reported by outlets such as the BBC and The Guardian.
• The condition, also referred to in medical records as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was confirmed by multiple authoritative sources.
• Briers had a history of heavy smoking that contributed to the lung disease that ultimately claimed his life.

Snapshot facts about Richard Briers

Who was Richard Briers’ wife?

Richard Briers married Ann Davies in 1956. The couple remained together for 57 years until his death in 2013. Ann Davies, often referred to in media reports simply as Annie, was a constant presence throughout his life and career.

They had two daughters together. One of them, Lucy Briers, followed her father into the acting profession. The other daughter is named in some sources as Katie or Kate Briers.

What was Richard Briers’ net worth?

No reliable or authoritative figure for Richard Briers’ net worth is available from the supplied sources. While it is reasonable to assume that a successful actor of his stature accumulated wealth over a career spanning five decades, no official or verified estimate has been published.

When was Richard Briers born?

Richard David Briers was born on 14 January 1934 in Raynes Park, Surrey, England. He was the son of Joseph Benjamin Briers and Mabel Briers.

Did Richard Briers appear in Mr Bean?

The question of whether Richard Briers appeared in Mr. Bean has circulated among fans for years. Based on the available evidence, his involvement appears limited and is not well-documented by authoritative sources.

The strongest evidence comes from a fandom page which links Briers to the show. However, this is not considered a reliable source. The research notes indicate that Briers is not listed among the original Mr. Bean television series cast in any major, credible database. His defining television role remains Tom Good in The Good Life, not a part in the Mr. Bean series.

Who is Paul Eddington and how is he related to Richard Briers?

Paul Eddington was the actor who played Jerry Leadbetter, the neighbour of Briers’ character in The Good Life. The sitcom, which aired on the BBC from 1975 to 1978, featured Briers and Eddington alongside Felicity Kendal and Penelope Keith. It became a massive success for all involved and remains one of the most beloved British sitcoms.

BBC coverage notes that the show was a major career highlight for both Briers and Eddington. The two actors shared a strong on-screen chemistry that contributed significantly to the programme’s enduring popularity.

Timeline of key life events in Richard Briers’ life

1. 1934: Born in Raynes Park, Surrey, England, on 14 January.
2. 1956: Married Ann Davies. The marriage lasted until his death 57 years later.
3. 1958: Began his professional career in film, radio, stage, and television.
4. 1961–1966: Achieved breakthrough success as George Starling in Marriage Lines.
5. 1974–1977: Undertook narration and voice work for programmes including Roobarb and Noddy.
6. 1975–1978: Starred as Tom Good in The Good Life alongside Paul Eddington, Felicity Kendal, and Penelope Keith.
7. 1989: Awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
8. 2000–2002: Returned to prominence with a role in Monarch of the Glen.
9. 2003: Awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
10. 2013: Died on 17 February at his home in Bedford Park, London, from emphysema/COPD. He was 79.

What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Richard Briers?

What was the cultural impact of Richard Briers’ career?

Richard Briers rose to fame during a golden era of British sitcoms in the 1970s. His performance as Tom Good in The Good Life captured the spirit of self-sufficiency and suburban idealism that resonated deeply with audiences of the time. The programme remains a staple of British television repeats and is widely considered one of the finest sitcoms ever produced.

Briers’ acting style was grounded in warmth and subtlety, a contrast to the more exaggerated comic performances of the era. He began his career in Shakespearean theatre, which gave his comedic roles a sense of depth and timing that set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

His death in 2013 was covered extensively across British media, with BBC News paying tribute to his legacy alongside the Guardian obituary that reflected on his significant contributions to television comedy.

Sources and quotes about Richard Briers

The following blockquote comes from material associated with Richard Briers’ death announcement, as reported in the Guardian obituary and by his agent via Facebook.

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Richard Briers. He died peacefully at his home in London this morning.

— Agent’s statement, as reported by the BBC and Guardian, 17 February 2013

Briers was the ultimate suburban everyman, a performer whose gentle presence on screen belied years of rigorous stage training.

— The Guardian obituary, 18 February 2013

Summary of Richard Briers’ life and legacy

Richard Briers was a beloved British actor whose career stretched from 1958 to 2013. He is best remembered for his iconic role as Tom Good in The Good Life, a sitcom that remains one of the most cherished in British television history. He died on 17 February 2013 at age 79 from emphysema, a lung condition related to years of heavy smoking. He was married to Ann Davies for 57 years and together they had two daughters. His net worth is not publicly known. While there is some speculation about a role in Mr. Bean, no authoritative source confirms a major appearance. His legacy endures through his work, which continues to be enjoyed by new generations of viewers.

Frequently asked questions about Richard Briers