Coronation Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay dies aged 92 after 60-year career
Veteran actor Michael McStay, known for his roles in Coronation Street and Doctor Who, has died at the age of 92.
The British star, whose career in theatre, television, and radio spanned more than six decades, is survived by his wife, actress Jennifer Clulow, and their two sons, Darius and Paul.
A representative confirmed the news of his passing on Tuesday.
McStay passed away peacefully in his sleep from heart failure, shortly after enjoying Sunday lunch with his two sons.
In a statement, his family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael McStay, an actor of the highest standing and talented writer, whose career across stage, screen and radio spanned over six decades.”
McStay rose to prominence in the TV series No Hiding Place and went on to feature in films such as Peter Yates’ Robbery.
His television credits include appearances in Doctor Who, Blunt, and Thatcher: The Final Days. His final screen role was in Coronation Street in 2011, where he portrayed Alan Hoyle, a role previously played by John Woodvine.
The appearance reunited him with friend and co-star Johnny Briggs (Alec Baldwin). Beyond acting, McStay was a prolific writer, contributing numerous plays to BBC Radio 4 and penning the 1984 ITV comedy Pull the Other One.
Tributes poured in following the news of his death. One fan wrote on X: “Sad to see that Michael McStay has passed away. Absolutely adored him in Corrie as Alan Hoyle in the John Stape storyline. Both he and the late Jean Fergusson were brilliant in the basement episode.”
Another shared a more recent photo after meeting the actor: “Someone else I had the pleasure of meeting again yesterday was Michael McStay who at 91 was as sharp & witty to chat with as a man half his age.”
“Known for playing Moberley in #DoctorWho The Seeds Of Doom (1976), he’s also starred in The Avengers & The Persuaders!”
In addition to his screen work, McStay recorded audiobooks and appeared in countless radio dramas.
His talents also took him abroad; while living in France, he starred in thirteen one-hour episodes of the French series Le Mari de L’Ambassadeur, which aired in prime time on Antenne 2 via Koba Films.
Educated at Bristol University, where he studied Drama, French, and Philosophy, McStay served two years as an officer in Cyprus during the Cyprus Emergency before launching his acting career in the UK.
He married fellow actress Jennifer Clulow in 1967. Clulow, a familiar face on British television, appeared in The Avengers, Keeping Up Appearances, and No Hiding Place.
She was also widely recognised for her long-running role in Cointreau commercials between 1974 and 1988.
Though he became more private in his later years, McStay was known among friends and family for his sharp wit and storytelling.
His son Darius recalled one of his father’s most telling reflections, shared during an appearance on Toby Hadoke’s Happy Times and Places Podcast.
When asked whether he regretted not landing the role of James Bond, McStay replied that he didn’t- because he had something far more valuable: a loving family he “wouldn’t swap for all the success in the world.”