Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Patricia Brake death: Porridge and Manhunt star dies aged 79

Last year, Brake starred in ITV’s Manhunt and Nick Frost’s comedy Truth Seekers

Annabel Nugent
Sunday 29 May 2022 10:28 EDT
Comments
Dudley Sutton appears in Christmas special episode of Porridge

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Porridge star Patricia Brake has died aged 79.

News of her death was announced on Twitter by her son Jon McBain who wrote that Brake had died “after a long battle with cancer” on Saturday (28 May).

The actor’s agent Scott Marshall Partners later shared the news on social media, adding: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our client and well-loved stage and TV actress, Patricia Brake, at the age of 79, after a very long battle with cancer.”

Brake is best known for playing Ingrid in the hit sitcom Porridge, the daughter of Norman Stanley Fletcher (played by Ronnie Barker).

The Bath-born actor later reprised the role in 1978’s spin-off Going Straight, which followed Norman’s character after he was released from Slade prison.

Beyond Porridge, Brake – who studied acting at the Bristol Old Vic – appeared in numerous programmes over her 60-year career. She had recurring roles on Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and EastEnders.

She also had credits on shows including Midsomar Murders, Doctors, Holby City, and Casualty.

Across her career, Brake worked with comedic legends Barker and Ronnie Corbett (known as The Two Ronnies), as well as Morecambe and Wise.

(Twitter)

Last year, she appeared in Nick Frost’s paranormal investigator comedy series Truth Seekers.

Her last role before her death was in 2021’s ITV drama Manhunt, in which she starred opposite Martin Clunes.

Brake was married twice. First to Rober McBain and then to Michael Kennedy.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in