Trivia

He revealed in a newspaper interview in January 2013 that he had been diagnosed with emphysema in 2007 and had smoked approximately half a million cigarettes before quitting. According to his daughter Lucy, he quit instantly in 2001 after a routine chest X-ray showed that if he didn't, he would soon be in a wheelchair.

Grew up in a flat above a cinema.

He studied electrical engineering, but gave it up to become a file clerk, a job he continued in the RAF when he was called up to do his national service. While serving at RAF Northwood in Hertfordshire, he became involved in the drama society at London's Borough Polytechnic Institute (now the South Bank University).

He appeared in nine films directed by his close friend Kenneth Branagh: Henry V (1989), Peter's Friends (1992), Swan Song (1992), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Frankenstein (1994), In the Bleak Midwinter (1995), Hamlet (1996), Love's Labour's Lost (2000) and As You Like It (2006).

Did his national service in the RAF.

After graduating from RADA (silver medal), he won a scholarship with the Liverpool Rep (1956-57) and was thenceforth never out of work.

A first cousin, once removed, of actor Terry-Thomas.

He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to drama.

He was nominated for Broadway's 1998 Tony Award as best actor in a play for his performance of Eugène Ionesco's in "The Chairs".

Along with Jimmy Yuill, he is one of only two actors other than Kenneth Branagh himself to appear in all five Shakespearean films that Branagh has directed: Henry V (1989), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Hamlet (1996), Love's Labour's Lost (2000) and As You Like It (2006).

He was at RADA with Alan Bates and Peter O'Toole.

His father was a bookmaker, described by Briers himself as a 'feckless drifter'. His mother, Morna Richardson, was a pianist.

Patron of the Net Curtains Theatre Company.

He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1989 Queen's New Year Honours List for his services to drama.

Older brother of actress Jane Briers.

Noted for his performances on stage in plays by Alan Ayckbourn and Shakespearean roles for Kenneth Branagh's Renaissance company.

Father of Lucy Briers. born 1967 and Katy/Katie Briers born 1964.

He attended RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) between 1954 and 1956, and later was a member of its Council.