Doc Martin and Coronation Street star Stephanie Cole dies at the age of 84
Stephanie had many TV roles over the span of decadesDoc Martin and Coronation Street star Stephanie Cole has died aged 84, bringing an acclaimed career across television and theatre to a close.
Her agent John Grant confirmed her death after she had lived with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. The announcement came on behalf of her family, who asked for privacy following her death.
John said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Cole, OBE.”
His statement described a performer whose work moved between sitcoms, dramas and the stage. He added: “She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcom and drama.”
Doc Martin star Stephanie Cole remembered for charity work
The tribute also recognised Stephanie’s charitable work beyond acting. John said she would be remembered for supporting mental health charities.
In 2005, Stephanie received an OBE for services to drama, elderly people and mental health charities. Her honour reflected commitments that reached beyond her performances on screen and stage.
Stephanie Cole’s Coronation Street role
Many soap viewers knew Stephanie as Sylvia Goodwin, the mother of Roy Cropper in Coronation Street.
She played Sylvia from 2011 until 2013 on the long-running ITV soap. She was among 11 Coronation Street actors who won Best Comedy Performance at the British Soap Awards.
Her time on the cobbles ended suddenly. Storylines saw Sylvia leave while her on-screen daughter-in-law Hayley Cropper was ill with pancreatic cancer.
Rumours then suggested Stephanie’s health had caused the exit. She later explained on social media that she had departed following her brother’s death.
What else did Stephanie Cole appear in?
Stephanie’s work extended far beyond Weatherfield. She appeared in Doc Martin, Man Down, Keeping Mum and A Bit of a Do.
Comedy audiences also saw her in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours. Her television credits covered soaps, sitcoms, comedy series and wartime drama.
In the 1980s, she played Dr Beatrice Mason in Tenko. The series centred on British women in Singapore following the Japanese invasion.
Read more: Man About the House and Robin’s Nest star Richard O’Sullivan dies age 82
Her roles ranged from soap comedy to serious wartime drama.
Across theatre and television, Stephanie’s career spanned seven decades. John’s tribute praised the length and distinction of her work in both fields.
His statement ended by asking for privacy during what it described as an incredibly difficult time. Tributes have also poured in on social media.
One fan said on X: “Stephanie Cole, a wonderful, intelligent actress.”
Another wrote: “Another fabulous actress gone. We are losing far too many this year. The very talented Stephanie Cole. May she rest in peace.”
Someone else added: “Sad to hear the news that Stephanie Cole has died. She was always a joy to watch in her many TV roles over the past 50.”
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