Philip Lowrie, one of Coronation Street’s earliest and most cherished actors, has passed away at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by his publicist, Mario Renzullo, on Saturday.
“My client and very dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away yesterday at 88,” Mr Renzullo said in a heartfelt statement. “His death marks the end of an era for the world’s longest-running soap, where he became a cornerstone of its storytelling.”
Lowrie first graced British television screens in 1960, playing Dennis Tanner in the debut episode of the now-legendary soap. With his mischievous charm and roguish persona, Dennis quickly became a national heartthrob.
He portrayed the son of Elsie Tanner, moving back in with her after being released from prison. His character’s journey captured the imagination of the public, setting the tone for the gritty storytelling that the show would become famous for.
After an eight-year stint, Lowrie left the cobbles in 1968 when Dennis married Jenny Sutton and the couple moved to Bristol. It would be over four decades before he returned to Weatherfield.
In 2011, Dennis rekindled his relationship with newsagent Rita Sullivan (played by Barbara Knox), an old flame from 1966. Their romance blossomed once again, leading to a wedding that delighted long-time fans of the series.
However, Dennis’s return was not permanent. Lowrie exited the soap once more in 2014. His character was later written out and killed off, never making another appearance on screen.
Interestingly, Lowrie had originally auditioned for the role of Ken Barlow before the show even launched.
At just 24 years old, he was cast instead as Dennis, while William Roache secured the iconic role of Ken. Over the years, Dennis and Ken often clashed, their fiery on-screen relationship becoming a staple of early Coronation Street drama.
Philip Lowrie’s contribution to British television cannot be overstated. His portrayal of Dennis Tanner helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the UK’s most beloved TV institutions.
Philip Lowrie’s death marks the loss of a true legend of British television. His enduring impact on Coronation Street and the wider world of entertainment will not be forgotten. As fans mourn his passing, they also celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
