Coronation Street, Brookside and Carry On star dies amid tributes to BBC and ITV legend

Former Coronation Street actor Kenneth Cope
-Credit: (Image: 2014 Getty Images)


Actor Kenneth Cope has died at the age of 93. He was known for appearing in Coronation Street and several Carry On films in a career that spanned decades.

His former agent released the news. Sandra Chalmers, in a statement on X, said: Announcing the passing of a true icon #KennethCope.

"An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business RIP."

Cope had a lengthy career. Corrie fans will know that he had two stints on the show - one recent and one in the soap's early years.

Between 1961 and 1966 he starred as the shady Jed Stone. This was a part he returned to in 2008.

From 1999 to 2002 he played Ray Hilton in Brookside. He also appeared in a variety of other TV shows, including A Touch of Frost and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

He also starred in other classic UK shows. Among them were appearances in The Bill, Goodnight Sweetheart and Last of the Summer Wine.

Many took to X to pay tribute. Morris Bright MBE said: "Sad to hear actor and writer Kenneth Cope has died, aged 93. A long and varied both big and small screen career." Ian Hilton said: "Brilliant UK character actor, so many rolls on TV & Film in a 60 yr plus career."