Red Dwarf icon Charles Augins has sadly died at the age of 81, after finding fame as Queeg in series two of the BBC sci-fi sitcom. Augins also choreographed the iconic Tongue Tied dance, performed by Craig Charles, Chris Barrie and Danny John-Jules in the programme's second series. He worked as an actor, dancer and choreographer across his incredible career, which included plenty of musical theatre work.
Charles died on July 19, with his friend Courtney Baker Oliver paying tribute on Instagram. Courtney wrote: “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 labor 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.”
Tributes have been flooding in from other devastated fans, with one Reddit user writing: "I never knew he did the choreography! Fantastic, RIP dude." Another posted: "One of my favorite moments in RD is when he says '6.' You can see him suppressing a giggle."
Another said: "Just seen on Facebook that Charles Augins who played Queeg and choreographed Tongue Tied dance has died. His performance was one of the best in the entire run." While a fourth posted: "Queeg was the best ever Red Dwarf villain. Sad to hear Charles is in Silicon Heaven."
