In Loving Memory: 15 Iconic Coronation Street Stars We’ve Lost Forever
Coronation Street, the beloved British soap opera that has graced screens since 1960, is more than just a show—it’s a cultural institution. Over its 64-year history, the cobbled streets of Weatherfield have been home to countless characters who’ve captured hearts with their wit, drama, and humanity. Behind these unforgettable roles were talented actors whose performances left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. Sadly, many of these stars have passed away, leaving behind legacies that continue to resonate. In this heartfelt tribute, we honor 15 cherished Coronation Street actors who are no longer with us, celebrating their contributions and the memories they created.
1. Johnny Briggs (1935–2021) – Mike Baldwin
Johnny Briggs, who portrayed the charismatic businessman Mike Baldwin for 30 years, was a cornerstone of Coronation Street. His character’s affair with Deidre Barlow in the 1980s gripped the nation, becoming one of the show’s most iconic storylines. Briggs appeared in 2,349 episodes, retiring in 2006. He passed away peacefully in February 2021 at 85 after a long illness, surrounded by family. John Whiston, managing director of the drama, praised Briggs’s charisma, noting it was “very hard to look at anyone else” when he was on screen.
2. Anne Kirkbride (1954–2015) – Deidre Barlow
Anne Kirkbride’s portrayal of Deidre Barlow made her a household name. Known for her distinctive glasses and turbulent love life, Deidre was a fan favorite for over four decades. Kirkbride’s sudden death in January 2015 at age 60 shocked fans, and her character was written out with an off-screen death, mirroring the loss felt by viewers. Her on-screen daughter Tracy’s frequent misdeeds and Deidre’s catchphrase “Oh, Tracy” remain etched in memory.
3. Violet Carson (1898–1983) – Ena Sharples
Violet Carson brought the formidable Ena Sharples to life, a moral pillar of Weatherfield in the show’s early years. Ena’s sharp tongue and unwavering principles defined the character until Carson left in 1980. She passed away in 1983, three years later, at 85. While Ena’s death was never shown on-screen, references suggest she passed away, leaving a void in the Rovers Return. Carson’s legacy as a trailblazer endures.
4. Bernard Youens (1914–1984) – Stan Ogden
Bernard Youens’s Stan Ogden, the lovable but lazy window cleaner, was a fixture alongside his wife Hilda. Their bickering yet loving relationship endeared them to millions. Youens’s death in 1984 at 69 led to Stan’s off-screen demise, a poignant moment for fans. His warmth and humor made Stan one of the show’s most relatable characters, and his memory lives on in Weatherfield lore.
5. Jean Alexander (1926–2016) – Hilda Ogden
Jean Alexander’s Hilda Ogden, with her iconic curlers and heart of gold, was a Coronation Street legend. Her emotional departure in 1987 drew 27 million viewers, and her death in 2016 at 90, just days after her birthday, left fans heartbroken. Alexander’s ability to blend comedy and tragedy made Hilda unforgettable, and her mural-adorned living room remains a nostalgic touchstone.
6. Bill Waddington (1916–2000) – Percy Sugden
Bill Waddington’s Percy Sugden, the pompous yet endearing pensioner, brought humor to the cobbles from 1983 to 1997. His battles with landlady Bet Gilroy were comedy gold. Waddington passed away in 2000 at 84, but Percy’s quirks—his love for his budgie Randy and his self-appointed community watch role—live on in fans’ memories. His exit marked the end of an era for classic Corrie characters.
7. Lynne Perrie (1931–2006) – Ivy Tilsley
Lynne Perrie’s Ivy Tilsley was a devout Catholic whose moral dilemmas and family dramas captivated audiences. Her partnership with Geoff Hinsliff’s Don Brennan was a highlight, filled with fiery rows and deep loyalty. Perrie left the show in 1994 and passed away in 2006 at 74. Ivy’s struggles with faith and family made her a complex, relatable figure, and Perrie’s performance remains iconic.
8. Geoffrey Hinsliff (1937–2024) – Don Brennan
Geoffrey Hinsliff, who died in September 2024 at 87, played the dastardly Don Brennan, a taxi driver with a dark side. From kidnapping to attempted murder, Don’s villainy kept viewers on edge. Hinsliff’s family described him as “restless, curious, adventurous, and funny,” and his chemistry with Lynne Perrie was unforgettable. Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, called him a “lovely, quiet man” who will be deeply missed.
9. Kenneth Cope (1931–2024) – Jed Stone
Kenneth Cope, who passed away in September 2024 at 93, brought petty crook Jed Stone to life in the 1960s and briefly returned in 2008 after a 42-year absence. His cheeky charm and chemistry with the cast made Jed a fan favorite. Cope’s wife Renny and daughter Martha were by his side when he died peacefully in Southport. His career, spanning Randall and Hopkirk and That Was The Week That Was, was illustrious.
10. Mark Eden (1928–2021) – Alan Bradley
Mark Eden’s Alan Bradley was one of Corrie’s most notorious villains, terrorizing Rita Fairclough until his dramatic death by a Blackpool tram in 1989. Eden, who died in January 2021 at 92 after living with Alzheimer’s, was survived by his wife and co-star Sue Nicholls (Audrey Roberts). His chilling performance ensured Alan’s place in soap history, and Eden later unveiled a plaque at the tram stop where the scene was filmed.
11. John Savident (1938–2024) – Fred Elliott
John Savident’s bellowing butcher Fred Elliott, known for his catchphrase “I say, I say,” was a larger-than-life presence. His tragic death in 2006, collapsing on his wedding day, mirrored Savident’s real-life warmth and charisma. Savident passed away in February 2024 at 86, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and heartfelt moments. His agent called him a “much-loved husband and father” who will be sorely missed.
12. Frank Mills (1927–2021) – Billy Williams
Frank Mills, who played Betty Turpin’s wartime sweetheart Billy Williams, joined Coronation Street in 1995. Their brief marriage ended with Billy’s fatal heart attack in 1997. Mills passed away in February 2021 at 93, just before Johnny Briggs. His obituary in the Maldon Standard noted his love for family and his contributions to the show, with a memorial planned to celebrate his life.
13. Timothy West (1934–2024) – Eric Babbage
Timothy West, a stage and screen veteran, appeared briefly in 2013 as Eric Babbage, a love interest for Gloria Price. West, married to actress Prunella Scales for 61 years, died peacefully in November 2024 at 90. His children praised his “extraordinary life,” noting his roles in EastEnders and Gentlemen Jack. West’s brief Corrie stint added to his storied career with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
14. Kathryn Apanowicz (1960–2025) – Carol Starkey
Kathryn Apanowicz, who played barmaid Carol Starkey in 1995, passed away in March 2025 at 64 after a long illness. Known for her roles in EastEnders and as a presenter on BBC Radio, she was remembered by ITV Calendar’s Ian White as “full of fun and positivity.” Tributes poured in, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a vibrant talent.
15. Bill Roache Sr. (1907–1986) – James Roache
Bill Roache Sr., father of current star Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), had a small role in the early days of Coronation Street. While not a major player, his connection to the show’s longest-serving actor adds poignancy to his inclusion. He passed away in 1986, leaving behind a family legacy that continues through his son’s enduring presence on the cobbles.
A Lasting Legacy
The passing of these 15 actors marks not just the loss of talent but the end of eras in Coronation Street’s rich history. From Ena Sharples’s stern wisdom to Mike Baldwin’s roguish charm, each actor brought something unique to Weatherfield. Their performances shaped the show’s identity, blending drama, humor, and heart in a way that has kept audiences hooked for decades.
As Coronation Street continues to evolve, the absence of these stars is felt deeply, but their contributions remain immortalized in the show’s archives. Fans still revisit classic episodes, laugh at Hilda’s quips, or shudder at Alan Bradley’s menace. Their stories remind us of the power of storytelling and the enduring bond between actors and their audience.
In honoring these 15 beloved figures, we celebrate not just their roles but the lives they lived off-screen—filled with passion, resilience, and creativity. The cobbles of Weatherfield will forever bear their footprints, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of Coronation Street stars. Rest in peace, and thank you for the memories.
