Charles Augins dead: BBC Red Dwarf star dies as heartbroken friend speaks out

Red Dwarf star Charles Augins has sadly died at the age of 81, it has been announced.

He found fame as villain Queeg in series two of the popular BBC sci-fi sitcom, before working as an actor, dancer and choreographer.

Augins also choreographed the iconic Tongue Tied dance, performed by Craig Charles, Chris Barrie and Danny John-Jules in the programme's second series. He worked as an actor, dancer and choreographer across his incredible career, which included plenty of musical theatre work.

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Charles died on July 19, with his friend Courtney Baker Oliver paying tribute on Instagram. Courtney wrote: “Now an ancestor, Charles Augins, legendary choreographer, actor and vocalist was one of my most important mentors. He was the first person to support my work as a director and always encouraged me to dream bigger and say yes to every opportunity my gifts made room for.

“To me he was friend, inspiration, and surrogate father all in one. His presence on the scene kept me connected to #MikeMalone (his best friend since they were teenagers) though Mike’s been gone for almost twenty years now. Charles connected me with his friends all over the world, always took my calls and was a sounding board in some of my most challenging moments.

“While his passing from labour to reward is devastating in this moment, I can only imagine the production he, Mike, Kenneth, Lynda, Glenda, and Tony are staging in heaven. The script is on point, the choreography is epic, and the harmonies are tight — I’m quite sure. “I love you Charles - you knew that. I’m so grateful I had the privilege to be in your life for nearly thirty years. You were magic and you always will be.”

Fans online have remembered the actor, who worked alongside Chris Barrie and Craig Charles on Red Dwarf. "Queeg was the best ever Red Dwarf villain. Sad to hear Charles is in Silicon Heaven," one posted, while another said: "One of my favourite moments in RD is when he says '6.' You can see him suppressing a giggle."

Another said: "Just seen on Facebook that Charles Augins who played Queeg and choreographed Tongue Tied dance has died. His performance was one of the best in the entire run." He was born in Virginia, USA, in 1943 and also starred in Labyrinth, Smith & Jones, Capital City and Blake's 7.

But acting wasn't his only love. He won the Olivier Award, the NAACP Award and L.A. Theatre Ovation Award for Best choreographer, he was also honoured with the Living Legend Award for the Performing Arts for his teaching

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