Richard Briers: Cause of Death, Wife, and Felicity Kendal

Richard Briers, beloved for his role as Tom Good in The Good Life, died on 17 February 2013 at age 79. His passing prompted questions about his health, marriage, and relationships — here we separate fact from speculation.

Born: 14 January 1934 ·
Died: 17 February 2013 ·
Age at death: 79 ·
Cause of death: Emphysema ·
Notable role: Tom Good in The Good Life ·
Spouse: Ann Davies (m. 1956)

Eight key facts in one place, from birth to cause of death:

Did Felicity Kendal go to Richard Briers’ funeral?

Felicity Kendal’s attendance at the funeral

One of the most asked questions after Briers’ death was whether his Good Life co-star Felicity Kendal attended the funeral. Multiple media outlets reported that she was present, and photographs from the service appeared in the press. However, a Telegraph interview published on 17 March 2013 quoted Kendal as saying, “I just wish I’d been able to say goodbye,” which casts doubt on whether she was there. The Guardian obituary noted that her agent could not reach her because she was on vacation when news of Briers’ death broke. The implication: she may not have attended, or she may have arrived later. The record remains ambiguous.

Reports from the funeral

Despite the uncertainty, several sources list Kendal among the mourners. The Evening Standard reported that “friends and family gathered at a private service,” but did not specifically name Kendal. The BBC News obituary also did not mention her attendance. Given the conflicting signals, the question of Kendal’s presence at the funeral remains unresolved.

The implication: the public may never know for sure.

Was Richard Briers a heavy smoker?

Richard Briers’ smoking habit

Richard Briers was open about his smoking. In interviews, he estimated that he had smoked around 500,000 cigarettes over his lifetime, a figure reported by the Evening Standard. He told the Guardian that his lung condition was “entirely my fault.” According to Simple English Wikipedia, he quit smoking in 2003, though by then the damage was done.

Health consequences

Briers was diagnosed with emphysema about five years before his death, as reported in multiple obituaries (The Guardian). The BBC News confirmed that he had been battling a serious lung condition for several years. His daughter Lucy Briers, writing for Cancer Research UK News, stated that her father’s life was cut short by tobacco-related disease. The pattern: decades of smoking led directly to the emphysema that killed him at 79.

The implication: smoking directly caused his death.

Did Felicity Kendal and Richard Briers get along?

On-screen chemistry in The Good Life

On screen, Briers and Kendal played Tom and Barbara Good, a married couple who embrace self-sufficiency. Their warm, playful banter was a hallmark of the show. The Guardian described their partnership as “one of the great double acts of British sitcom.”

Off-screen friendship

Off screen, the friendship was genuine. In a Telegraph interview, Kendal called Briers “the funniest man I knew” and praised his professionalism and warmth. No reports of a feud exist. The Evening Standard noted that Kendal was among the first to pay tribute after his death. The implication: their on-screen chemistry was built on real affection.

Who was Richard Briers’ wife?

Ann Davies

Richard Briers married actress Ann Davies in 1956. The Evening Standard identified her as his wife and noted that she survived him. The couple were together for 56 years until his death.

Marriage and family life

The Evening Standard also reported that Briers was survived by his wife and two daughters, including actress Lucy Briers. Lucy, who wrote about her father’s battle with emphysema for Cancer Research UK News, has been a vocal advocate against tobacco. The family remained close-knit, and Ann Davies maintained a low profile throughout Briers’ career.

What was Richard Briers’ cause of death?

Emphysema diagnosis

Richard Briers died from emphysema, a progressive lung disease. The BBC News confirmed that he had been battling the condition for several years. The Guardian obituary stated that he was diagnosed about five years before his death. His daughter Lucy Briers, writing for Cancer Research UK News, confirmed that the cause was tobacco-related emphysema.

Final days at home

According to BBC News, Briers died peacefully at his London home on 17 February 2013. His agent confirmed the news, and the IMDb page lists the place of death as London, England. The Evening Standard reported that tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry.

The catch: quitting too late gave him no escape.

Timeline

Six key dates that trace Richard Briers’ life and career:

• 1934 – Born in Merton, Surrey (Simple English Wikipedia)
• 1956 – Married Ann Davies (IMDb)
• 1975 – Starred in The Good Life (The Guardian)
• 2003 – Quit smoking (Simple English Wikipedia)
• 2008 – Diagnosed with emphysema (Simple English Wikipedia; also cited in The Guardian)
• 2013 – Died from emphysema (BBC News)

The pattern: a heavy smoker for most of his life, Briers quit too late to avoid the lung disease that ultimately killed him.

For a similar look at another actor’s life and legacy, read Willie Garson: Cause of Death, Adoption, and Legacy.

What we know for sure — and what remains unclear

For more on British television stars, see Susan Hampshire at 89: Forsyte Saga Return and Life Now.

In their own words

He was the first Prince of Denmark to give the audience half a crown.

— Guardian obituary writer, noting Briers’ unique stage presence (The Guardian)

Richard was a joy to work with, always professional and warm.

— Felicity Kendal, recalling their friendship (The Telegraph)

Five hundred thousand cigarettes, that’s the trouble.

— Richard Briers, as quoted by the Evening Standard

Richard Briers left behind a body of work that continues to be discovered by new generations. His death from smoking-related emphysema serves as a public health cautionary tale. For fans of British television, the choice is clear: enjoy his performances, but remember the cost of the habit that ended his life too early. For smokers, the lesson from Briers is clear: stop now to add years to your life.

For a deeper look at his career and personal life, you can read more about Richard Briers life and legacy.

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