Francis Matthews RIP - Guests, write your message

by **hazel** » Sun Jun 15, 2014 4:43 pm

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/voice-captain-scarlet-francis-matthews-3698733

The Voice has died today, Sunday 15 June 2014, aged 86.

I met him a couple of times. He was a nice, humorous man who at first resented that his main fame had come from the voice of a puppet, a job that lasted for "a couple of weeks" back in the mists of time, but eventually, he came round to accepting it. He was the life and soul of the Fantasticon convention in 1994, and a popular guest at Fanderson conventions for many years.

by **Marion** » Sun Jun 15, 2014 7:01 pm

Yes, it is a great sadness, he did seem to be a thoroughly nice chap.

I remember hearing him on the radio some years ago, talking about his career and he told this story, with great amusement in his voice, as an example of why he never considered himself a 'star'. During his stint as TV's Paul Temple, just after the series had been shown in colour for the first time, he was in a post office queue. There were 2 women in the other queue who obviously recognised him and he heard one of them say to the other in a loud whisper: " What a shame; he looks much better in black and white."

by **Matt Crowther** » Sun Jun 15, 2014 8:26 pm

Quite a sad loss. Another part of childhood gone. Fondly remember him not just for Scarlet but his Morecambe & Wise appearance. RIP

by **chrisbishop** » Sun Jun 15, 2014 8:54 pm

This is indeed very sad.

Of all the people I would have loved to meet, Francis Matthews was at the top three. I had the honour to briefly met Gerry Anderson a few years ago, and Ed Bishop wrote me in the first years this website came online.... He asked me if by any chance we wouldn't be related! I wished!

Sadly, I will never get to meet Francis Matthews. He was indeed, the Voice that we all came to love.

Rest in peace, Mr. Matthews. You provided so much joy to so many fans. We will never forget you.

Chris Bishop

P.S.: Welcome back, Matt. It's been a while.

by **Carrie** » Sun Jun 15, 2014 9:08 pm

Sad news.
Another loss from the Anderson universe, makes me feel old...
Hazel, you were so lucky to meet him! Must be some nice memories for you.

(ps..nice to hear from you again, Matt!)

by **ensign747** » Sun Jun 15, 2014 10:07 pm

Very, very sad news. My childhood hero has gone.
Thank you Francis for bringing CS to life. You've done your job now it's time for someone else. SIG.
(I sound like White!!).

by **Skybase Girl** » Sat Jun 21, 2014 5:21 pm

Just arrived home from holiday to this very sad news. I didn't realise Francis Matthews was as old as he was, although it's likely that publicity photos may have been taken a fair while ago.

Definitely the end of an era, although its nice to think that the baton has now passed to Wayne Forrester as the voice of "New Captain Scarlet."

( btw, I echo Carrie - nice to hear from you Matt! )

by **VMR** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 12:37 am

It’s sad to hear that Francis Matthews is no longer with us.

Knowing the actors who gave our beloved characters their voices was not something I worried about.
But when ones think’s about it, it was them that gave the characters so much of their personality and appeal, that we loved. (Along with the ones who wrote the lines.)
They took what was written and deliver it with the feelings, drama and skill, making the characters alive!! Giving us a sense of personality and helping to set in our minds our love or hate of them. When we think of them the voice is also heard, it is so much a part of them.
Think about it, would Scarlet have been the same to us if he had sounded like Parker? :lol:

So RIP Francis and thank you for your skill and giving us Scarlet us we know him.

by **Century 21 Toys** » Sun Jul 06, 2014 1:20 am

Met the man several times over the years and don't have a bad word to say! Whilst working for GA at Blackpool exhibitions FM came in to see the Scarlet display and was happy to talk.
Spoke with him at Mrmorabilia a few years ago and have a photo of him with myself and my son.

SIG Mr M. You will be missed. Now standing alongside some of the great C21 stars from my youth.

A fan

by **DreamerAngel** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 9:55 pm

I just saw on the website. This is sad. A little piece of my childhood just died.

by **HJDIET** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 8:21 pm

RIP Francis - love your work as the voice of captain scarlett .. love the Cary grant accent... that made it!

by **adam blue** » Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:12 pm

RIP Francis. You were the perfect choice for Scarlet.