Former Coronation Street star John Saint Ryan has died at the age of 72, his family have announced. The actor’s death was shared by his wife Joyce on Facebook, who 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. 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 became a martial arts teacher in the town before his skills led him into acting.
His first role was as a stunt double for James Bond legend Sean Connery on the film The Medicine Man. He made his official acting debut in Channel 4’s G.B.H. in 1983.
He then landed a small role in ITV soap Emmerdale as Jameson before securing the Coronation Street job that would lead to him becoming a huge name. John was cast as long distance lorry driver Charlie Whelan.
John’s loveable character Charlie kicked off a whirlwind romance with Rovers Return landlady Bet Gilroy (played by Julie Goodyear) during her separation from husband Alec Gilroy (Roy Barraclough).
However, it was clear that Charlie and his charm were in high demand as barmaid Tanya Pooley (Eva Pope) set her sights on him. The pair ended up running off to Germany together after Charlie’s romance with Bet, however, it didn’t last between him and Tanya as she dumped him soon after their move.
After his time on the soap, he moved to California in the 1990s, where he continued to find success in film and television.
He held supporting roles in various 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 action film American Cyborg: Steel Warrior.
Outside of acting, John owned and operated Red Rose Ranch, a cattle ranch where he trained both horses and riders in dressage and western riding. He specialised in the doma vaquera style and earned numerous national and international titles in the sport over the years.
John is survived by Joyce and their three sons.
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