We are very sorry to report the death of long-standing Variety Golf member and past Captain, Duggie Brown.
Duggie made his name as one of the regular comics in the popular TV series, ”The Comedians” and, “The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club”. After this early success he became a well-known television personality and appeared in many light entertainment shows in the 70s and 80s including the BBC’s ”Stars and Garters”.
He was also an acclaimed actor, a career that kick-started with his role in the award-winning film, ”Kes” directed by Ken Loach in 1969. Numerous parts followed including Jack Rosenthal’s BAFTA nominated drama, ”Another Sunday and Sweet F.A.”, Colin Welland’s ”Leeds United”, and ”The Price of Coal”, again directed by Ken Loach. Other film credits include, ”A is for Acid” with Martin Clunes and ”The Jealous God” with Denise Welsh.
He also starred in several television series, notably as Phil Strong in the BBC’s detective drama, ”The Enigma Files” as well as featuring as the “Captain” of the Saturday morning children’s series “The Mersey Pirate”.
He was a regular guest character in ”Crown Court”, ”All Creatures Great and Small”, ”Minder”, ”Last of the Summer Wine’, “Peak Practice” and, more recently, ”EastEnders”, ”Heartbeat” and ”Hotel Babylon”. He joined the cast of Channel 4’s soap ”Brookside” as Ray Piper in 1994 and most famously played Ted Spear in ”Coronation Street”.
In the theatre, he played ”The Fool” in a nationwide production of Shakespeare’s ”King Lear” and, in 2013, toured the country as Mr Boo in a critically acclaimed production of ”Little Voice”.
Duggie was also a respected after-dinner speaker and was frequently involved in fund-raising events for charity. He died in the early hours of the morning on August 16th with his wife, Jackie by his side. His manager, Lee Morgan, said: “Duggie was a born entertainer who loved his profession. RIP Duggie, we love and salute you”.
He was Captain of Variety Golf in 1993.