'EastEnder' actor Mike Reid dies at 67

MARBELLA, Spain, July 30 (UPI) -- Mike Reid, the comedian who played Frank Butcher on the long-running British drama "The EastEnders," has died of a heart attack in Spain at the age of 67.

Reid, who died Sunday, completed his run in the drama two years after making his name as a comedian, The Times of London reported Monday.

Reid's agent, David Hahn, described the actor as a "very, very, very funny man" who could see humor in all situations.

"Even now I am sure he is laughing," Hahn told The Times.

Reid rose to fame on London's comedy circuit, working as a stand-up comedian in clubs and aboard cruise ships during the 1960s.

One of the original stars of the 1970s TV series "The Comedians," Reid also emceed the children's quiz show "Runaround" before securing the role of wheeler-dealer Butcher on "The EastEnders" in 1987, The Times said.

He also appeared in Guy Ritchie's gangster comedy-thriller "Snatch."