Derek Francis (7 November 1923 – 27 March 1984) was an English comedy and character actor.

[2] He appeared in The Tomb of Ligeia (1964), the last film in Roger Corman's Edgar Allan Poe series.

[4][5] Other roles included parts in television series of the period such as Rising Damp, Bless Me, Father, Thriller, The Professionals, The Sweeney, Sherlock Holmes, The New Avengers, Danger Man, Jason King, Up Pompeii!, Wild, Wild Women, Coronation Street, and Z-Cars.

[6] He also appeared as the Emperor Nero, a comic turn in the early Doctor Who story entitled The Romans opposite William Hartnell.

[7] Possibly his most prominent role was as Father Bernard, the Master of Novices in Oh Brother!.