Mike Reid, famous for his role as Frank Butcher in EastEnders, has won over millions of viewers. However, the soap legend’s off-screen life was filled with devastating heartbreak.
Behind that laughter, the actor faced catastrophic financial ruin and some horrifying family ‘tragedies’. To know more about the painful reality behind the beloved late soap star’s life, keep scrolling.
The Heartbreaking True Story Of Mike Reid
As we know, his memorable performance as car dealer ‘Frank Butcher’ earned him national stardom. However, his private life was not what anyone would want.
Mike’s real home life collapsed in 1990 when his youngest son, Mark, had a fatal psychological break. After which the troubled youth shot a close companion directly through the heart. Unfortunately, he then committed suicide by setting himself on fire. Months later, his infant granddaughter also died.
When Mike lost more than one child, it became incredibly difficult to love through. However, after this, the emotional pain worsened because he also ran out of money. The late actor lost everything they owned toward the end of their career. Mile spent almost all his money on a property business in SPain and lost it.
The actor earned through major film roles like Snatch and stand-up tours. However, when his life abruptly ended, he had virtually no assets. Mile had received strict warnings regarding heavy smoking habits. However, he soon suffered a fatal heart attack at his Marbella residence at age 67.
Mike’s Journey On EastEnders
250 mourners attended his funeral in Essex, including prominent co-stars Barbara Windsor and Pam St Clement. Elsewhere, Frank appeared for a brief stint to assist Janine Butcher on the BBC soap. As we know, Janine was on trial for a murder she did not commit. Hence, Frank had returned to London to support his daughter in getting a competent legal defence.
Elsewhere, during his final week, fans also got to see a definitive closure to Frank’s turbulent relationship with his ex-wife, Pat Evans. After years of affairs, the two shared a quiet farewell. After which Frank left Walfrod for the final time to return to his life in France and Spain.
Meanwhile, do you think Frank Butcher was the most iconic character on the soap? Let us know in the comments section. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates keep following Soap Opera Daily.