Richard Franklin, an esteemed British actor best known for his role as Captain Mike Yates in “Doctor Who” and appearances in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” died at the age of 87.
His death, confirmed by close friend and social media manager Liam Rudden, happened peacefully in his sleep after a long-term illness on Monday, December 25, 2023.
Franklin’s acting career spanned several decades, captivating audiences with his versatile performances in television and theater.
He first gained significant attention in the British series “Dixon of Dock Green” in 1966, which marked his television debut. His breakthrough role came in the ITV soap “Crossroads,” leading to a series of remarkable appearances in shows like “The Doctors,” “Little Women,” and “The Borgias.”
However, Franklin’s most memorable role was as Captain Mike Yates in the iconic science fiction series “Doctor Who.” He portrayed this character from 1971 to 1974, during Jon Pertwee’s tenure as the Doctor. His portrayal left a lasting impact on the series’ fans and the science fiction genre.
Outside his television roles, Franklin made a notable appearance in the 2016 film “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Additionally, he played a significant part in the popular British soap opera “Emmerdale Farm,” where he portrayed Denis Rigg for two years.
Beyond his acting career, Franklin was an active voice in politics. He authored “Forest Wisdom: Radical Reform of Democracy and the Welfare State” and ran as a parliamentary candidate for various parties, including the Liberal Democrats in 1992 and UKIP in 2001. He also founded the Silent Majority Party and stood as a candidate in the 2005 general election.
Rudden, in his statement, highlighted Franklin’s generosity, creative spirit, and fantastic storytelling. He shared that Franklin’s legacy of joy and entertainment would endure.