A Life on Stage and Screen

Kenneth Cope, a British actor known for his roles in Coronation Street and the Carry On films, has died at the age of 93. Cope's former agent, Sandra Chalmers, confirmed his death, stating that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, September 11, surrounded by his wife and family.

Cope's career spanned over six decades, beginning with his first role in the 1953 mini-series Johnny, You're Wanted. He quickly gained recognition and became a familiar face on British television, securing regular roles and achieving fame as Marty Hopkirk in the 1969 series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), a supernatural detective series. He later played Jed Stone in the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street, a role he would revisit several times between 1961 and 2009.

A Ghostly Role and Other Notable Performances

In Randall and Hopkirk, Cope played Marty Hopkirk, a man who is murdered but returns as a ghost to help his former partner solve crimes. The show, known as My Partner The Ghost in the US, garnered a cult following and was later remade in 2000 with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer.

Beyond his role as a ghostly detective, Cope appeared in several Carry On films, including Carry On At Your Convenience and Carry On Matron, and made appearances in Doctor Who as Packard in 1981. He also had roles in the medical drama Casualty, demonstrating his versatility and ability to embody a range of characters.

A Legacy of Laughter and Charm

Cope's family described him as “an incredible icon of British TV and film”, with a career spanning six decades that “contributed to some of the most iconic moments in British culture” as well as being “a natural comedy actor”. He was a proud native Liverpudlian and a loyal supporter of Everton Football Club.

Cope's contributions to British entertainment will be remembered for their humor, warmth, and charm. He will be missed by fans and colleagues alike. He is survived by his wife, Renny Lister, and their children, Nick, Mark, and Martha.

A Life Remembered

In a statement, Cope's family said: "Ken passed away yesterday peacefully in his sleep with his wife and family by his side." They added that he was "a proud native Liverpudlian and a loyal supporter of Everton Football Club."

Tributes have poured in from fellow actors and fans alike. Robin Askwith, who worked with Cope early in his career, shared on X, formerly Twitter: "So sorry to hear about Kenneth Cope passing away at 93 One of the first actors I ever worked with… Individual ,encouraging and generous…. RIP."

Cope's legacy as a beloved actor who brought joy and laughter to audiences across generations will continue to live on. His performances in Coronation Street, the Carry On films, and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) will be remembered fondly by fans for years to come.