Coronation Street and Emmerdale star dies suddenly as tributes paid

Actor, John Saint Ryan, best known for his role as Charlie Whelan on Coronation Street, has died at the age of 72. John's wife, Joyce, took to social media to confirm his passing, saying: "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." Born in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1953, John first became a local martial arts teacher. However, his evident talent prompted him to pursue a career in acting; with his first role being a stunt double for James Bond legend Sean Connery on the film The Medicine Man.

He then made his official acting debut in Channel 4's G.B.H in 1983, reports the Mirror .

John went on to land a small role in ITV soap Emmerdale as Jameson before securing the Coronation Street job that would lead to him becoming a household name. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Long distance lorry driver Charlie Whelan sparked a whirlwind romance with Rovers Return landlady Bet Gilroy (played by Julie Goodyear) during her separation from husband Alec Gilroy (Roy Barraclough). Yet Charlie's irresistible charm later won the heart of barmaid Tanya Pooley (Eva Pope).

The pair eloped to Germany after Charlie's fling with Bet, but their relationship didn't last long, with Tanya ending things shortly after their move. Following his stint on the soap, he relocated to California in the 1990s and continued to enjoy a successful career in film and television. His eclectic resume includes supporting roles in a variety of productions, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, General Hospital, Murder, She Wrote, Cybill, and The Heidi Chronicles.

He also played the lead villain in the sci-fi action film American Cyborg: Steel Warrior. Beyond acting, John owned and ran 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 won numerous national and international titles in the sport over the years.

John is survived by Joyce and their three sons..