A beloved 90s TV favorite has been noticed trying in high-quality kind at a fan occasion — simply months after quietly overcoming a worrying well being scare. Purple Dwarf icon Chris Barrie, 65, delighted followers at a meet-and-greet in Scarborough Spa, posing for photographs with collectors and signing merchandise after beforehand pulling out of appearances because of a “medical scenario”. It marks the primary correct public snap of the actor in round 5 years, and supporters had been thrilled to see him.
Chris, finest identified for enjoying hologram Arnold Rimmer within the cult BBC sci-fi sitcom, had rescheduled his summer time look within the seaside city after affected by ailing well being. Followers mentioned he appeared in good spirits, dressed well in a camel trench coat, inexperienced jumper and stripy tie. The actor hasn’t been seen on display screen since 2020, when he starred within the feature-length particular Purple Dwarf: The Promised Land. The movie noticed the Dwarfers face off in opposition to cat-hunting villain Rodon, with Rimmer revived from a low-energy hologram to assist Dave Lister — performed by Craig Charles — save the day.
Earlier this 12 months, Chris sparked concern after abruptly withdrawing from a number of bookings. On the time, he described the problem solely as a “medical scenario”, prompting hypothesis amongst followers.
In a candid replace posted to his official web site, he wrote: “For these , right here is an replace on my well being scenario. Since being discharged from hospital in early July, I’ve been feeling higher and stronger with every passing day.”
He added that he was medication-free and “a month right into a 3-4 month therapeutic course of”, noting there could also be additional diagnostic checks to return.
Chris continued: “Apologies for being totally non particular however I’d reasonably hold it that approach for now. So, in short, feeling rather more myself, having fun with being at dwelling and busying myself with gentle duties, though that is about to be stepped as much as medium duties…”
Talking about his return to work, he informed followers: “If my price of restoration stays the identical… then I might be working the odd day in October,” however burdened it was “nonetheless too early to say”.
He promised to replace supporters as plans firmed up and mentioned he absolutely hoped to honour his November Scarborough dedication — a promise he has now stored.
In keeping with IMDb, Chris’s subsequent credit score is voicing a personality within the 2025 recreation Simon the Sorcerer Origins.
Purple Dwarf first aired in 1988, changing into a cult hit centred on Lister, the final human alive, adrift in deep area with solely a hologram, an android, the ship’s laptop and a creature descended from his pet cat for firm.
Chris additionally grew to become a family identify within the BBC sitcom The Brittas Empire and later reunited with the solid for the present’s thirtieth anniversary.
Away from screens, Chris retains his non-public life tightly guarded, although he has been married twice and has two sons.
The actor’s refreshed look this week has reassured followers that the 90s legend is firmly on the mend — and able to return to work.
