Stephen Critchlow RIP News Posted by Ian Symes on 19th September 2021, 20:56 We’re very sad to report the terrible news that Stephen Critchlow has died, aged just 54. We know him best for his role as Captain Herring in Series XI’s Officer Rimmer, one of our favourite guest characters of the modern era. His superb comic timing and the contrast between his plummy officer persona and the ridiculousness of his appearance made for a memorable and hilarious character. He’s also fondly remembered as a guest at Dimension Jump XIX, where he was generous with his time, brilliant in his Q&A and enthusiastic when meeting fans – one of those guests that really seemed like they were having a great time too. The following year, he was one of many guest stars to send in a video message to celebrate Red Dwarf‘s thirtieth anniversary, in which his charm and enthusiasm shone through. He’s also well known to Doctor Who fans, having performed dozens of roles for Big Finish, displaying his skills as a voice actor and narrator. As well as many television parts, the stage was perhaps his forte, from rep to touring to the West End. Plus of course, we were amused that his appearance in Red Dwarf meant that, following Philip Labey, both stars of the long-running Oak Furniture Land adverts had been in the show. Tributes from those who worked with him have come thick and fast, and speak of someone who always lit up a green room with his warmth and humour. A truly popular man who touched a lot of lives. RIP Critch.
God it’s been a shit day. John Challis dying and now this… It was a pleasure to meet him at DJ in 2017. RIP
Terrible news, Officer Rimmer is a really strong episode and he gave a fantastic performance in what were probably uncomfortable circumstances with a big lump of silicone on his head. Clearly a lovely guy too from all the memories being shared. No age at all. RIP.
He was excellent in Officer Rimmer – a very funny performance, and I always feel disappointed when he disappears from the episode as I would have liked even more of him. And he is obviously well-loved beyond the world of Dwarf too. A great shame, especially at such a relatively young age.
Nice Dwarf mention in Big Finish’s tribute article today. https://www.bigfinish.com/news/v/stephen-critchlow-1966-2021
Very sad to hear that. He was wonderful in Officer Rimmer but I’ll remember him mostly for his role as The Kro’ka in Big Finish’s Divergent Universe arc for the Eighth Doctor. Very versatile. RIP.
This is very sad. I did read that he played a notable character in Final Fantasy XIV and so an online vigil was held for him within the game. A very nice gesture. Here’s a link: https://youtu.be/4OZa095L8bc
