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Coronation Street Actor John St Ryan Dies at 72
Burnley-born actor John St Ryan, best known for his role as lorry driver Charlie Whelan in the popular ITV soap opera Coronation Street, has passed away at the age of 72 after suffering a heart attack. St Ryan, who appeared in the show from 1993 to 1994, died on April 3rd, surrounded by his family, as confirmed by his wife Joyce in a social media post. The veteran performer’s death will be felt by fans of classic Coronation Street and those who admired his diverse career spanning television and film.
Tributes Paid to ‘Gentleman’ Actor
In her online announcement, Joyce St Ryan shared the heartbreaking news: “I and our family want to inform our friends that John experienced a heart attack on the evening of Thursday, April 3rd. We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible, but sadly he did not recover. We are utterly devastated.”
She continued, “John wished to contribute to medical research and donated his body, therefore a funeral will not be held. We will organize a celebration of his remarkable life at a later date.”
Joyce concluded her tribute, “We are all privileged to have known and loved this exceptional ‘Gentleman,’ as he has been described to me numerous times over the past few days.”
From Martial Arts to Acting Career
Born in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1953, John St Ryan initially established himself as a martial arts instructor in his hometown. His expertise in martial arts eventually paved the way for a career in acting.
Early Roles and Stunt Work
St Ryan’s entry into the film industry began with stunt work, notably as a stunt double for the iconic James Bond actor Sean Connery in the movie ‘The Medicine Man’. He made his official acting debut in 1983 in the Channel 4 drama ‘G.B.H.’.
Before landing his memorable role in Coronation Street, he also secured a minor part in another popular soap opera, Emmerdale, playing the character Jameson.
Coronation Street Fame as Charlie Whelan
It was his portrayal of long-distance lorry driver Charlie Whelan in Coronation Street that truly captured the public’s attention. He was immediately involved in dramatic storylines, most notably when he became romantically involved with the Rovers Return’s legendary landlady Bet Gilroy (portrayed by Julie Goodyear) during her separation from her husband Alec Gilroy (Roy Barraclough).
The storyline took a dramatic turn when barmaid Tanya Pooley (Eva Pope), seeking revenge on Bet, turned her attention to Charlie, and he succumbed to her advances. Their impulsive decision to elope to Germany proved short-lived. Tanya ended the relationship with Charlie once he had served her purpose, marking the conclusion of his year-long stint on the soap.
Hollywood and Beyond
Following his departure from Coronation Street, John St Ryan relocated to California in the 1990s, where he continued to enjoy a successful acting career. He secured supporting roles in a variety of films and television series, including:
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- General Hospital
- Murder, She Wrote
- Cybill
- The Heidi Chronicles
He also took on the role of the primary antagonist in the science fiction film ‘Cyborg in American Cyborg: Steel Warrior’.
Life Away from the Screen
Outside of his acting endeavors, St Ryan owned and managed Red Rose Ranch, a cattle ranch where he trained horses and riders in dressage and western riding techniques. He specialized in the doma vaquera style of riding and achieved numerous national and international accolades in the sport throughout his life.
John St Ryan is survived by his wife Joyce and their three sons.
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