Philip Lowrie, an original member of the Coronation Street cast, has passed away at the age of 88.
Lowrie graced the very first episode of the iconic ITV series in 1960, portraying the role of Dennis Tanner, a character who swiftly earned the moniker of the show’s original bad boy. His passing on Friday was confirmed by his publicist, Mario Renzullo.
“My client and dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the cherished actor known for his portrayal of Dennis Tanner in Coronation Street, died yesterday,” Renzullo said in a statement.
“Philip’s death signifies the close of a chapter in the world’s longest-running television soap, where he established himself as a pivotal figure.”
Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, Lowrie became a familiar face in British households.
When Coronation Street debuted more than 60 years ago, Lowrie quickly became known as a national heartthrob, thanks to his character’s rebellious nature.
He played Dennis, son of Elsie Tanner, who moved back in with his mother after his release from prison.
Lowrie initially auditioned for the role of Ken Barlow before securing the part of Dennis Tanner, appearing in the inaugural episode at just 24 years old.
William Roache ultimately took on the Ken Barlow role, becoming a long-time foil for Lowrie’s character.
Lowrie departed the soap in 1968 after Dennis Tanner married Jenny Sutton and relocated to Bristol, not returning until 2011.
According to Renzullo, Lowrie received a Guinness World Records certificate in September 2011, recognising him for the longest gap between TV appearances as the same character in the same programme.
During his return, Dennis rekindled his relationship with newsagent Rita Sullivan (played by Barbara Knox), his long-standing love interest since her arrival in 1966, and the pair later married.
He left the series again in 2014; his character was later written out off-screen.
Lowrie’s mother saved to fund his studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) in London after his schooling concluded.
Following his graduation three years later, Lowrie swiftly earned roles in the West End, such as appearing with Dame Margaret Rutherford and Peggy Mount in the production Farewell, Farewell, Eugene.
He also featured in several of Victoria Wood’s celebrated comedy shows, including Victoria Wood’s All Day Breakfast, Victoria Wood, Pat and Margaret, Live In Your Own Room, and We’d Quite Like To Apologise.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Lowrie took leading stage roles in plays such as Dame Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, The Case Of The Frightened Lady, and The Lady Vanishes.
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