He also appeared in Emmerdale

John Saint Ryan, known for his role as lorry driver Charlie Whelan in Coronation Street, has died. The actor’s death was confirmed by his wife in a post on Facebook.

The 72-year-old, who portrayed Charlie between 1993 and 1994, died following a heart attack. The actor’s wife, Joyce, confirmed his passing on Thursday, April 3, reports the Express.

She said: “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.

She added: “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 initially worked as a martial arts teacher in his hometown before his skills led him into the acting industry. His first gig was as a stunt double for James Bond icon Sean Connery in the film The Medicine Man. He made his official acting debut in Channel 4’s G.B.H. in 1983,

Before landing his famous Corrie role, he had a small part in Emmerdale as Jameson. As long-distance lorry driver Charlie Whelan, he truly captured the public’s imagination. He was thrust into the action when he began a relationship with iconic Rovers Return landlady Bet Gilroy (played by Julie Goodyear) during her separation from husband Alec Gilroy (Roy Barraclough).

However, when barmaid Tanya Pooley (Eva Pope) set her sights on him to get her own back on Bet, he succumbed to her charms. They ran off to Germany together but it didn’t last, with Tanya dumping Charlie once he’d served his purpose bringing his year on the soap to an end.

Following his stint on the soap, he moved to California in the 1990s where he enjoyed continued success. He had supporting roles in films and television series included Buffy the Vampire Slayer, General Hospital, Murder, She Wrote, Cybill and The Heidi Chronicles. He also played the main antagonist in the sci-fi film Cyborg in American Cyborg: Steel Warrior.

Away from screen, he owned and operated a cattle ranch called Red Rose Ranch where he trained horses and riders in dressage and western riding. He himself specialised in the doma vaquera style of riding and won multiple national and international titles in the sport over the years. He is survived by Joyce and has three sons.