Coronation Street star dead as tributes paid to 'true icon' of British TV
Coronation Street and Brookside star Kenneth Cope has died, it was revealed today - with tributes paid to "a true gentleman of showbusiness". The actor played petty crook Jed Stone - known to many as 'Sunny Jim' - on three separate occasions, initially as Minnie Caldwell's lodger in the early 60s, again in 1966 and then once more on 2008.
Kenneth, who has died aged 93, also starred as Ray Hilton in Channel 4's Brookside beween 1999 and 2002, a year before the soap ended. He also played the ghost detective Marty Hopkirk in the original run of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and appeared in two Carry On films.
The actor, who also had roles in Minder and A Touch of Frost, returned to Corrie as Jed Stone in 2008 for a storyline with ruthless developer Tony Gordon that spanned several months. It would be his final acting appearance, with the character's last plot involving a showdown with Jimmy after which he suffered a heart attack.
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Kenneth's death was announced online by agent Sandra Chalmers, who wrote: "Announcing the passing of a true icon #KennethCope. An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business RIP."
He died in the seaside town of Southport in Sefton, Liverpool, where he was born in 1931. He leaves behind Renny Lister, his wife of 63, years and three children - two sons and a daughter.
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His daughter Martha Cope, who followed in his footsteps as an actor, playing Sandy Gibson in EastEnders, while sons Mark and Nick went on to form a rock bad.
Kenneths other acting credits include roles in iconic BBC shows including Hustle, Casualty and Last of the Summer Wine. He also appeared in Lovejoy, Doctor Who and The Avengers.
