Christopher Malcolm, the actor who originated the role of Brad Majors in the premiere production of The Rocky Horror Show, has died of cancer aged 67 following a respected career both on the stage and behind the scenes.
Born in Scotland but raised in Canada, Malcolm will be well-known to many for his long-running role as Saffy’s father in the hugely successful Absolutely Fabulous, which added to his numerous screen credits that included parts in iconic films Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Labyrinth.
It was in the theatre, however, that Malcolm forged his career, making his professional UK stage debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966. Over the course of two years at the Stratford-upon-Avon institution he appeared in productions including Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Coriolanus and The Revenger’s Tragedy before heading to London where he embarked on a five year association with the Royal Court Theatre.
His time working for the venue included the premiere of The Rocky Horror Show in 1970, as well as roles plays including The Unseen Hand and The Tooth Of Crime. His West End debut followed shortly with appearances in Lulu and Design For Living.
Malcolm will also be remembered for his later role as a producer, most famously producing successful musicals including The Rocky Horror Show, Flashdance The Musical and The Pajama Game in the West End, and plays including Steven Berkoff’s Greek, Decadence and Messiah and the Olivier Award-winning Single Spies.
Malcolm recently worked on the Theatre Royal Stratford East’s revival of Oh What A Lovely War, which opened last week to critical acclaim. He is survived by his wife, the actress Judy Lloyd, three children including the playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, and a grandson.
Lloyd Malcolm announced the news of his death on Twitter, with the tribute: “Today the world lost a beautiful, brilliant man. My dad Christopher Malcolm left peacefully and with dignity. He will always be my hero.”