RIP - Richard Briers

Richard Briers has died at the age of 79.

The Good Life actor had revealed in the last year or so that he was battling with emphysema as a result of his smoking addiction and sadly his agent confirmed that he died "peacefully" at his London home yesterday (February 17).

Briers was born in Raynes Park in 1934 and starred in BBC sitcom Marriage Lines opposite future Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales. He was best known for his role in BBC sitcom The Good Life, which ran for four series from 1975 to 1978.

Briers starred as Tom Good, who sought a life of self-sufficiency with his wife Barbara (Felicity Kendal), to the horror of neighbours Margo (Penelope Keith) and Jerry (Paul Eddington).

He continued to work in theatre, while also appearing in several TV shows, including 1987 Doctor Who episode 'Paradise Towers'. More recently, he appeared in episodes of Midsomer Murders and Extras and filmed a cameo for 2008 epsiode of Torchwood. Among his last roles were movie appearances in comedies Cockneys vs Zombies and Run For Your Wife.

Briers was appointed OBE in 1989 and CBE in 2003.

Such sad news; Richard Briers, you will be sorely missed by fans of British comedy worldwide.