Earlier last month, one of 'Coronation Street's original cast members and famed veteran actor Alan Rothwell passed away at the age of 89. Following the news, the latest episode of the beloved British show shared a touching tribute to one of the OG actors who started it all.
'Coronation Street' Pays Tribute to Alan Rothwell
Nearing the end of the latest episode of 'Coronation Street', fans and netizens noticed that the creators of the show had paid their respects to Rothwell with a tribute card. The card read, “In memory of Alan Rothwell 1937 - 2026”, accompanied by a black and white photograph of him wearing a suit.
It was through the social media account of 'Coronation Street' that fans learned of the actor's passing. In the post, the show stated, “We’re very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell’s passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time. He created an iconic and memorable character in David Barlow and will forever be remembered as one of the original cast members of Coronation Street.”
William Roache, who played Rothwell's on-screen brother, also posted an emotional tribute for his old friend. His post read, “He and I worked together on the very first episodes of Coronation Street, which was such a wonderful time. I got to know him well over the years; he was a very good actor and a delightful man. I send my thoughts and condolences to his family.”
About Alan Rothwell and His Role in 'Coronation Street'
Rothwell lived a long and successful life as an actor. In 'Coronation Street', which remains one of his most beloved roles, he played David Barlow, one of the originally introduced characters. He portrayed Ken Barlow’s brother and was introduced as a main cast member in the very first episode. He remained on the show from 1960 to 1968.
Born in Oldham, Lancashire, Rothwell began his career in soap operas early on. While 'Coronation Street' was not one of his first roles, it was undoubtedly the actor's career-defining role that helped launch him into the industry as a fan favorite.
Rothwell passed away peacefully on May 14 this year at the hospital after fighting an illness, the details of which were never disclosed by his family. He was 89 years old at the time.
The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to readers. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark—our team spans the globe, bringing the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond breaking news, we present a celebration of culture, exploring the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.
