The Crown star Stephen Greif dies aged 78

Actor Stephen Greif, best known for his roles in The Crown and cult sci-fi drama Blake’s 7, has passed away aged 78, his agent confirmed on Monday.

The seasoned character actor played Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill during season four of Netflix smash The Crown in 2020. 

Greif had previously enjoyed a recurring role as malevolent space commander Travis in late seventies sci-fi series Blake’s 7, a character famed 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 passed away aged 78, his agent confirmed on Monday

However, the Hertfordshire born actor was already well established having starred alongside Robert Lindsay in the hugely popular sitcom Citizen Smith, playing shady pub owner Harry Fenning alongside Lindsay’s titular Marxist across three series.

Confirming his death in a statement on Boxing Day, his representatives at Michelle Braidman Associates wrote: ‘With great sadness we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif. 

‘His extensive career included numerous roles on screen and stage, including at the National Theatre, RSC and in the West End.

‘We will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with his family and friends.’ 

Key role: The seasoned character actor played Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill during season four of Netflix smash The Crown in 2020 (pictured)

Old times: Greif had previously enjoyed a recurring role as malevolent space commander Travis in late seventies sci-fi series Blake’s 7, a character famed for his eye-patch

The actor’s other notable credits included fleeting roles in long-running soap operas Coronation Street and EastEnders, seventies spy drama The Sandbaggers, Waking The Dead, The Witcher and Doctor Who. 

Commenting on his death, Bleak House and Sherlock actor Phil Davies wrote: ‘Very sad, a very fine actor and a kind and sensitive man. We played a bit of golf together. RIP.’  

Actress Judy Jarvis added: ‘Devastated to hear that the brilliant actor, & fascinating erudite man, Stephen Greif has died.

Drama: Greif as Detective Chief Inspector Gomez in a 1978 episode of The Sandbaggers

Farewell: Friends and associates paid tribute to the popular actor, whose career spanned more than five decades 

Starring role: The actor in a scene from Armchair Thriller episode Rachel in Danger

‘I absolutely loved working with him way back in Citizen Smith, & especially catching up with him several times since. Condolences & sympathy to his family & friends.’ 

Actor David Kennedy also paid tribute to the star, writing: ‘Such sad news. I worked with Stephen only once at the NT. He was a consummate professional and an absolute gent. RIP sir and condolences to his family.’

Elsewhere Doctor Who actor Barnaby Edwards added: ‘A rock-solid performer with a voice as liquid and deadly as molten lava. When it came to playing villains, he was unsurpassed.

‘His acerbic wit and obvious intelligence made him a joy to direct. Thanks for the fun, Stephen.’ 

Guest star: Other roles included a bit part in 1980s drama Boon (pictured in a 1986 episode)

Rest in peace: tributes flooded in from fans of the actor as news of his death broke across social media 

Cheers: Greif raises a glass in TV thriller Nightmare for a Nightingale, one of his numerous acting roles