EastEnders and Coronation Street star dies at 64 as tributes flood in to partner of late TV icon
Soap star Kathryn Apanowicz has died at the age of 64 following a health battle.
Apanowicz appeared in BBC and ITV soaps including EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, and was the partner of the late Countdown star Richard Whiteley.
The actress was Whiteley’s partner from 1994 until his death in 2005.
On Monday, it was announced Apanowicz had died following a long health battle, with many stars having taken to social media to pay tribute to the “lovely friend”.
Former ITV News Calendar presenter Christa Ackroyd was among those who paid tribute to the soap star, sharing online: “Reunited with her beloved Richard. I will miss you so much my lovely friend.
“What adventures we had. The world will always be a duller place without you…”
Fellow ITV star Ian White penned: “Very sad news tonight about friend and former colleague Kathryn Apanowicz.”
The actress grew up in Leeds and became involved in the television industry at just 11 years old when she presented a children’s ITV show.
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She later joined Calendar before switching to acting, appearing in the 1980s in BBC soap Angels, which aired from 1975 to 1983.
During a year-long stint in BBC’s EastEnders, which she joined in 1987, Apanowicz starred as Magda Czajkowski, who shared a relationship with soap legend Den Watts (Leslie Grantham).
Apanowicz also featured in small roles in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, with her 1998 Emmerdale role her most recent acting gig.
Her broadcaster and journalist partner Richard Whiteley died at just 61 back in 2005 after a failed emergency operation.
Later in her life, Apanowicz presented BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio York, as well as writing a book following Whiteley’s death, titled Richard by Kathryn: The Life of Richard Whiteley.
Fans have also taken to social media to express their sadness over the news, with one writing on X: “RIP Actress Kathryn Apanowicz who many wont have heard of until I tell them she was nurse Butchins in ‘Angels’, was also in the film ‘Bugsy Malone’ the wife of countdowns Richard Whitely and daughter of a Polish RAF WW2 pilot.”
“Very sad news. And only 64! I particularly remember Kathryn Apanowicz from EastEnders and Angels.
“She truly loved her late husband Richard Whiteley,” a second shared.
“I’m so sad lovely Kathryn Apanowicz passed away last night aged only 64.
“One of my first clients, Kathryn was always a joy to be around, and as superb in her comedy work with Victoria Wood as in TV dramas like #EastEnders, #Corrie and #Emmerdale.
“I will miss her sunny smile, #RIP,” someone else posted.
Another commented: “Such sad news to hear the much loved Kathryn Apanowicz has died. Beautiful tributes to her this morning. Sending love to all her family xx.”
“Sorry to hear that Kathryn Apanowicz has died. She was a local girl – from Horsforth – and one of the few people on tv from Leeds when I was growing up, so she felt like one of ours. A really lovely woman. RIP,” another wrote.
Ian White also went on to share another tribute, adding: “What a huge response there has been to the news our friend Kathryn Apanowicz has died aged 64.
“Thank you for all the kind comments. Kathryn was full of fun and positivity and a joy to spend time with. Always a hoot! She will be greatly missed.” (sic)