Brian was educated in primary and secondary modern schools until the age of 17. He worked as a window cleaner and a butcher's van driver while a member of the Oxford Youth Theatre. He then relocated to London where he enrolled at the Webber Douglas School and, upon graduation, he appeared in rep at Bristol, Coventry, Leicester, Soho Poly, Leeds, Edinburgh, Exeter and the Ludlow Festival. One of his earliest stage appearances was in a production of 'Curse of the Starving Class'. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, squash, football and bridge. He also lists reading and gardening amongst his favourite past-times.

Older brother of actor Eric Deacon .Father, with Rula Lenska , of daughter Lara Deacon.