Red Dwarf star Charles Augins has died aged 81, it has been reported.

Charles was well known for playing the character Queeg 500 in season two of the BBC sci-fi series. 

The versatile star had a remarkable career as an actor, dancer, and choreographer. He is best remembered for choreographing the famous Tongue Tied dance, which was 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 expressed: ‘Now an esteemed ancestor, Charles Augins, a legendary choreographer, actor, and vocalist, was a crucial mentor in my life. He was the first to support my journey as a director and consistently encouraged me to embrace bigger dreams and pursue every opportunity that came my way because of my talents.

Red Dwarf star Charles Augins has died aged 81, it has been reported

Charles [right] was well known for playing the character Queeg 500 in season two of the BBC sci-fi series

‘To me, he was a friend, a source of inspiration, and a father figure all rolled into one. His presence in the community helped me maintain a connection to #MikeMalone (his lifelong friend since adolescence), despite Mike having passed nearly two decades ago. Charles introduced me to his network of friends worldwide, was always available to talk, and provided guidance during some of my most difficult times.

‘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.’

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 [pictured]

L-R Craig Charles as Dave Lister, Robert Llewellyn as Kryten, Danny John-Jules as The Cat and Chris Barrie as Arnold Rimmer in Red Dwarf

After the news of his death broke, his friend Courtney Baker Oliver took to Instgarm to pay a heartfelt tribute to the performer

A plethora of tributes from devastated fans of the BBC show came flooding in on X, with many sharing memories of his iconic character

Charles carved 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

‘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.