Red Dwarf star Charles Augins dies ages 81: Tributes pour in from BBC fans as devastated friend shares emotional message
Charles was well known for playing the character Queeg 500 in season two of the BBC sci-fi series.
The multitalented star worked as an actor, dancer and choreographer during his illustrious career and famously choreographed the iconic Tongue Tied dance, performed by Craig Charles, Chris Barrie and Danny John-Jules.
Charles, who was born in Virginia, USA, passed away on Saturday 19 July.
After the news of his death broke, his friend Courtney Baker Oliver took to Instgarm to pay a heartfelt tribute to the performer.
Courtney penned: '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.'
Meanwhile, Red Dwarf's official fan club shared the sad news on X (formerly Twitter), writing: 'It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of the acclaimed actor, dancer, choreographer, and educator Charles Augins (17 September 1943 – 19 July 2025).'
This prompted a plethora of tributes from devastated fans of the BBC show, with many sharing memories of his iconic character.
They penned: 'RIP Charles. Your chess moves will always be remembered in the iconic episode.'
'Oh no, not Queeg. My condolences.'
'I don't think I have ever laughed so hard as when I saw that episode the first time! Jape of the century indeed. RIP legend.'
After the news of his death broke, his friend Courtney Baker Oliver took to Instgarm to pay a heartfelt tribute to the performer
'Aww nooo! That's so sad. a fine actor. RIP Charles.'
'Heartbroken. Queeg is my favourite Red Dwarf episode ever.'
As well as Red Dwarf, Charles' acting career has seen him appear in the likes of Blakes's 7, Labyrinth and The Tall Guy.
Acting wasn't his only passion, with Charles also carving out a career as a choreographer, with the star even bagging a Best Choreography Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1991 for Five Guys Named Moe.
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