Coronation Street’s John Saint Ryan suddenly dies aged 72 as tributes pour in
Former Coronation Street actor John Saint Ryan has passed away at 72 after a heart attack.
The actor, who is known for portraying lorry driver Charlie Whelan, died on April 3 surrounded by loved ones.
His wife, Joyce, wrote: “I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April.”
“We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive. We are absolutely heart broken. John wanted to aid medical research and donated his body, so there will not be a funeral. Later, we will arrange a celebration of his wonderful life.
She added: “We are all fortunate to have known and loved this special ‘Gentleman’ as he has been described to me numerous times over the last couple of days.”
John was born in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1953 and initially worked as a martial arts instructor in his hometown before transitioning into acting.
His first break came when he served as a stunt double for Sean Connery in the film The Medicine Man.
He made his acting debut in 1983 with Channel 4’s G.B.H., followed by a small role in the ITV soap Emmerdale as Jameson.
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His career truly took off when he was cast as Charlie Whelan, a long-distance truck driver, in Coronation Street.
Charlie became central to a passionate romance with Bet Gilroy (played by Julie Goodyear), during her separation from husband Alec Gilroy (Roy Barraclough).
However, Charlie’s charm didn’t go unnoticed by barmaid Tanya Pooley (Eva Pope), who pursued him.
The pair eventually ran off to Germany, but their relationship quickly ended when Tanya dumped him.
After leaving the show, John moved to California in the 1990s, where he continued to find success in both film and television.
He took on supporting roles in a range of productions, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, General Hospital, Murder, She Wrote, Cybill, and The Heidi Chronicles.
He also starred as the main antagonist in the sci-fi film American Cyborg: Steel Warrior.
Outside of acting, John ran the Red Rose Ranch in California, where he trained horses and riders in both dressage and western riding.
He specialized in the doma vaquera style and earned many national and international titles in the sport.
John is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their three sons.