Lord Brian Rix
Born in Cottingham, Yorkshire, the son of a Hull shipowner, Brian Rix was educated at Bootham School, York. He became a professional actor, briefly, when he was 17, playing with Donald Wolfit in Cardiff. His wartime National Service began in the Royal Air Force, but he soon after volunteered to become a Bevin Boy, working instead as a coal miner.
After the war, Rix returned to the stage and in 1947 formed his own theatre company. He ran repertory companies at Ilkley, Bridlington and Margate, and at only 26 years old was a highly successful actor and manager. Rix was associated with the Whitehall Theatre from 1944 until 1969, although as an actor-manager he became increasingly well known on TV as well as stage.
In 1949 he married the actress Elspet Gray. They had four children, including the producer and children's author Jamie Rix and actress Louisa Rix. Their daughter Shelley Elspet Rix (who died in 2005) was born with Down's syndrome, and he has always used his name to promote public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities.
Brian Rix has been involved with Mencap since its early days. He first used his fame as one of the nation's best-loved comedy actors to raise money for Mencap and was awarded a CBE in 1977 for his fundraising efforts. He continued to fundraise and campaign on behalf of people with a learning disability and their families. From 1980 to 1988 he was secretary general of Mencap, going on to become chairman in 1988 and then president 10 years later.
He gained an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex in 1984 and was knighted in 1986 for his services to charity. In 1992, his tireless work was further recognised when he was created a life peer, becoming Baron Rix of Whitehall in the City of Westminster and of Hornsea in Yorkshire.
He is a tireless force in the House of Lords, using this position to influence critical legislation, ensuring the interests of people with a learning disability are represented.
His 80th birthday in 2004 marked the start of a year of fundraising and publicity for Mencap.
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