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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Emma Loffhagen

Who was Stephen Greif? The Crown and Blake’s 7 actor dies aged 78

Stephen Greif, who appeared in Blake’s 7 and The Crown, has died aged 78, his representatives said (PA)

(Picture: PA Archive)

Stephen Greif, who appeared in Blake’s 7 and The Crown, has died aged 78, his representatives said.

Greif had an extensive career on stage and screen and appeared in other series including Doctors, Coronation Street, Tales of the Unexpected and EastEnders.

His death was announced on Monday by Michelle Braidman Associates. “With great sadness we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif,” its statement read.

“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.”

Who was Stephen Greif?

Born in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, Greif attended he Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he won numerous awards including Best Actor and Most Promising Actor.

He went on to become a member of the National Theatre Company at the Old Vic and Southbank.

Among the productions he appeared in were Danton’s Death, A Woman Killed with Kindness, The Merchant of Venice, Long Days Journey into Night, The School for Scandal, Richard II, The Front Page and Macbeth.

After starring in numerous stage productions throughout the 1960s and early ’70s, he made the transition to screen – landing the role of space commander Travis in Blake’s 7.

The show ran from 1978 to 1981, with Greif starring alongside Gareth Thomas, Paul Darrow, Michael Keating and Sally Knyvette.

He appeared in many films including Gerry, Risen, Woman in Gold, Bill, D is for Detroit, Lasse Hallström’s Casanova, Shoot on Sight, Eichmann, Spartan, The Upside of Anger, Boogie Woogie and Fakers.

He also portrayed Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill in series four of The Crown in 2020.

Greuf is survived by his twin sons Joseph and Daniel.

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