ACTOR AND director Malcolm Frederick has died from cancer.
Frederick passed away due to complications of acute myeloid leukaemia on Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December, 2019.
Frederick was known for his starring roles in Get Up, Stand Up (1994 – 1998), Babylon (1980) and Burning An Illusion (1981). He will, however, always be remembered as the ever-popular iconic Basil East (Beastie) in LWT/Channel 4’s ground breaking sitcom No Problem! which ran for 27 episodes between 1983-85.
Born in Trinidad in 1955, Frederick came to the UK in 1968, joining the rest of his family initially in Harlesden. He later moved to Tooting, south London. As a teenager he became interested in acting and to the dismay of his parents left his well paid office job with Tate & Lyle to become a full time actor.
It was during his early career that he became frustrated with the lack of roles available to black actors and decided at the earliest opportunity to create a forum to tell black and minority stories. He was one of the founder members of The Black Theatre Co-operative (BTC) alongside Mustapha Mathura and Charlie Hansen, eventually becoming its artistic director from 1986-1990.
The BTC was instrumental in producing plays by new and established black playwrights, thereby giving jobs to black professionals both on and off the stage. After departing the BTC and continuing with his theme of “self-help”, Frederick set up Bachaks Productions alongside his business partner Keith Lakhan, producing the Channel 4 comedy sketch show Get Up, Stand Up, which ran for 20 episodes from 1994 – 1998, starring alongside Angie Le Mar and Chris Tummings.
Frederick was especially proud of the work he did with the Stonebridge Area Youth Project, a drama club set up by Anton Phillips to empower young people in one of Brent’s toughest neighbourhoods. He also wrote the popular children’s book Kamal Goes To Trinidad about his beloved homeland.
Frederick leaves behind his widow Beverley, children Jamal, Remi and Kamal, granddaughters Chyna and Kamea, his mother Norma and his sisters Lyn, Maureen and Gayle.
He will be remembered as a pioneer who opened doors and inspired many of today’s stars of screen and stage and his huge personality will be missed by all who knew him.
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26 Comments
We are so proud to have known Malcolm as a great friend and neighbour. The biggest,best and most irrepressible sense of humour as well as a serious actor of the highest integrity. We shall miss his presence enormously but his work and friendship remains and will always remain bright in our memories.
Sorry to hear of this loss. I certainly remember Beastie
RIP condolences to his family
Malcolm was a very good actor with comic timings, from my generation and homeland. He was truly inspiring.
Such a loss. I worked with Malcolm and found his insight and experience invaluable.
Deep Sincere Condolences
Gone But not Forgotten RIP
♥ ♥ ♥
Blessed cousin, gave so much laughter to many
But will be missed for the wide smile cricket and family ??
Malcolm also joined the Caribbean Showboat in the beginning of his acting career. He was a great friend to all of us. RIP Malcolm and condolences from Hopeton Wilson and myself, Sandra.
Brilliant actor, may he rest in eternal peace ❤️??
One of the pioneers and his story needs telling especially with the young people today..RIP Malcolm and thanks for the drama humour wit and intelligence you displayed effortlessly.Micheal Gordon
Micheal Gordon
So sorry to hear of Malcolm’s passing. My sincere condolences to Beverley, their children and other family and friends xxx
RIP my fellow Trinidadian. You have inspired many and will not be forgotten
Your role in No Problem is a testimonial to your vast talents.
We are proud of you.
Rest well in the arms of the Almighty.
Loved this brother. may Allah bless him and his family.
I didn’t know mr Fredrick but I want to say as a younger that I respect his reputation as a great black figure and I hope he R.I.P’s?
One of our giant minds
I remember Malcolm from No Problem. Fantastic actor. He will be missed.
Thank you for marking black history. We were here. Rest in peace, sir
My favourite actor and he will never ever be forgotten by me may you R.I.E.P Malcolm Frederick ??????❤❤❤❤❤❤?????
R. I. E. P. Beastie??
Thank you for being a good neighbour to my sister Doris. You will forever remain in our memory
So sorry to hear about Malcolm’s passing,some people come and go and others leave footprints on our hearts ,I never met you but read about your work and the legacy you leave behind ,Condolences to all the family especially Jamal and family xxhugs RIP
Condolences to all of Malcolm’s family. Malcolm was a dear friend. We met in 1979 at the Keskidee Black Arts Centre in Islington London. I remember all our good friends from the Keskidee Aroha Tour, together we travelled the length of the North Island, New Zealand that cold Winter. Malcolm helped bring about a positive change to our country, not many knew or would credit him for doing that, but he was a lovable humble person who was a catalyst for positive change in our country, and we who knew him pay our love and respect and remember fondly this Black West Indian Caribbean Trini actor with the English accent. Peace and love Brother Malcolm, from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Though we lost touch with just the very occasional crossing of paths, my first acting job was with you (Mutable Theatre Co 1977). I found you to be very engaging, humorous and for the time we spent together, good companionship. R.I.P. Malcolm
What a true Legend
Rest In Everlasting Peace x
“Rest in eternal peace Malcolm” Thank you for the laughter, on many a cold miserable day in London. You had the courage to take the bull by the horn in London at a time when there was not much black entertainment. Heartfelt condolences to your family
Rest in eternal peace Malcolm. I remembered the year you and Gail left to return to London
We were all in the same class, my uncle Mr Phillip was our teacher. I then met up with your again in London. It was hilarious. Gone but surely will not he forgotten.
I was thinking about malcom with the black lives matter protests happening globally, wondering how he was , being such a great activist, and was mortified to discover he had passed away 6 months ago – so I just want to say what a great actor he was – I learned so much from him during our working together in “fighting back” Bbc drama 1986 RIP malcom