Popular English actor Johnny Briggs, who had played Mike Baldwin in long-running ITV soap for 30 years, has died after long illness at 85.
Johnny Briggs also appeared in several Carry On films. In a statement issued on Sunday by his family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs”.
His family said he died peacefully after “a long illness, with family by his side” and asked for privacy to “remember the wonderful times we had”.
Soon after the news broke out, several fallow celebrities and fans poured in love and condolences for the late actor.
Coronation Street colleagues have paid tribute to Briggs calling him a “wonderful actor” and describing Mike Baldwin as “one of the most iconic characters the Street has ever known”.
Furthermore, for three decades, Briggs was a fixture on Coronation Street, beginning when his character arrived in Weatherfield in 1976 from his London market stall.
Born on 5 September 1935 in Battersea, London, Johnny Briggs was evacuated to the countryside during World War II before embarking on a career at the age of 12.
He has also won the British Soap Award for lifetime achievement in 2006. In 1995 Briggs had a UK chart hit, alongside Coronation Street co-star Amanda Barrie.
He also appeared on stage and in films alongside the likes of Norman Wisdom, Dirk Bogarde and Tommy Steele.
Later, the famed actor married Caroline Sinclair in 1961 and had two children before the couple divorced in 1975.
The same year he married schoolteacher Christine Allsop and welcomed four children with her.
Read More News On
Catch all the Entertainment News, Breaking News Event and Latest News Updates on The BOL News
Download The BOL News App to get the Daily News Update & Follow us on Google News.