Kenneth Cope, who played Jed Stone in Coronation Street, has died with tributes saying he was a ‘true icon’
Kenneth Cope, star of Coronation Street, has died, and the television industry is in grief. The much-loved actor rose to prominence in 1961, when he landed his breakout role as Jed Stone on the popular ITV serial.
From 1961 to 1963, he portrayed Minnie Caldwell’s lodger, whom she affectionately referred to as ‘Sunny Jim’. Cope would make occasional appearances until 1966, when he made a substantial comeback, appearing in 56 episodes that year.
In 2008, Cope returned to the Weatherfield cobblestones after an incredible 42 years away, this time in the context of a conspiracy involving real estate tycoon Tony Gordon. With the exception of a lone comeback for a special episode in 2014 that focused on Ken Barlow’s trial, Cope’s tenure on Coronation Street was brief.
On Thursday, September 12, Cope’s agent Sandra Chalmers announced the news of his death on platform X, the renamed Twitter, writing: “Announcing the passing of a true icon #KennethCope.”
She also shared a tribute alongside a photo of Cope, writing: “An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. “A real gentleman in the entertainment industry, RIP,” the Manchester Evening News writes.
In addition to Coronation Street, Cope made a lasting impression on viewers of other renowned shows including Randall and Hopkirk, where he captivated viewers as Marty Hopkirk from 1969 to 1970 and as Ray Hilton in the now-cancelled Channel 4 serial opera Brookside from 1999 to 2002.
Kenneth Cope leaves behind a legacy that affected many in the acting world and beyond. He is survived by his sons Nick and Mark Cope, as well as his daughter Martha, who gained notoriety for playing Dotty Cotton’s mother Sandy Gibson on EastEnders.
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