Richard Franklin Dies Aged 87 – TV Icon and Theatre Legend
Richard Kimber Franklin, the versatile English actor, writer, director, and political activist, died on December 25, 2023. He leaves behind a rich legacy across theatre, television, and literature.
A Star is Born – From Oxford to the Stage
Born January 15, 1936, in Marylebone, Franklin’s journey began at Westminster School. He studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford, later earning an MA in Modern History from Christ Church. After National Service as a captain with Queen Victoria’s Rifles, Franklin worked in advertising before turning to acting.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), winning the Jenny Laird Prize. His early career was forged in repertory theatres including the Century Theatre, Birmingham Rep, and Bristol Old Vic. He also took on associate director roles, proving himself a natural leader offstage.
West End and Beyond – A Talent on the Rise
- West End breakthrough included starring as Corin in As You Like It (1967) alongside Brian Cox.
- In 1978, Franklin took over the lead in Same Time, Next Year from Michael Crawford.
- His final stage roles involved understudying in The Woman in Black, plus roles in Macbeth, The Rocky Horror Show, and national tours of classics like Romeo and Juliet.
A Prolific Playwright and Director
Franklin’s pen was just as sharp as his acting chops. His plays earned critical acclaim at prestigious venues:
- The Trial of Johnny Bull (Ipswich Theatre)
- Dr Weird and the Amazing Box (Renaissance Theatre)
- The Cage (Edinburgh) – winner of Spirit of the Fringe award
- Shakespeare was a Hunchback (Edinburgh) – basis for ITV’s The Trial of Richard III
He also directed at Swansea Grand, Chesterfield Civic, and served as artistic director of Stockholm’s Renaissance Theatre. Franklin mentored at prestigious drama schools and directed numerous festival productions throughout London, Edinburgh, and Brighton.
Television and Doctor Who Fame
Franklin lit up British TV from the late 1960s. He played Joe Townsend in 36 episodes of Crossroads (1969) and appeared on classics like Blake’s 7, The Saint, and Emmerdale Farm.
But he’s best remembered as Captain Mike Yates of UNIT in Doctor Who. He debuted in Spearhead from Space (1970) and became a regular during Jon Pertwee’s era, starring across multiple serials until 1974.
Franklin reprised Yates for the 20th Anniversary special The Five Doctors (1983) and the 1993 Children in Need 3-D special, Dimensions in Time. His likeness appeared in the 50th anniversary episode The Day of the Doctor (2013), and he returned to the role in numerous audio dramas alongside Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor.
Author and Legacy
In 2002, Franklin wrote The Killing Stone, a novel featuring Captain Yates. Initially an audiobook, it was published as Operation H.A.T.E. in 2013. He rewrote parts to avoid copyright issues, ensuring his character’s stories could live on.
Richard Franklin’s death marks the loss of a true all-rounder – one who graced stage and screen with wit, intelligence, and passion.
