Former Coronation Street and Jed Stone star Kenneth Cope has sadly passed away at the age of 93, his agent has announced on X.
The actor first appeared on the cobbles in 1961 before leaving, with his final scenes airing in 2009 after his return.
Kenneth was also well-known for playing the role of Ray Hilton in Brookside between 1999 and 2002.
Announcing the passing of a true icon #KennethCope An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business RIP pic.twitter.com/Z5YPbTpvIc
— Sandra Chalmers (@sancha50) September 12, 2024
On X, Kenneth’s agent Sandra Chalmers stated “announcing the passing of a true icon, Kenneth Cope. An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business, RIP.”
Sandra confirmed the sad news that Kenneth had died at his home in Southport in Sefton, Liverpool.
His wife, Renny Lister and daughter Martha Cope were with him at the very end.
Kenneth’s agent continued, “we are deeply saddened by his passing and ask that his family are given privacy at this time. He is survived by his loving wife Renny Lister and his children Nick, Mark and Martha.”
Kenneth Cope as Jed Stone
First appearing on the cobbles in 1961, Jed was known for his get-rich-quick schemes. He soon left the Street in 1966 for a quick stint in prison after handling stolen blankets.
Returning again in 2008, Tony Gordon tried to move Jed out of his home for a redevelopment opportunity. However, Jed refused to be moved though and didn’t want to take the compensation money offered.
SO SAD TO SEE HOPKIRK(DECEASED)at 93 years young died yesterday & Great Actor KENNETH COPE HAS GONE
My all-time favourite TV detective from the late 60s where only ONE Series of 26 glorious episodes were made
Kenneth went on to play JEDD STONE IN @itvcorrie in the late 60’s R.I.P pic.twitter.com/aMDPtfBtZP— Brian Altman (@MrBsTweet) September 12, 2024
Jed suffered a mild stroke just as Tony was trying to get him out of the property. Jed was later told that his house had been cleared out whilst he was in hospital.
He soon moved into a property on the cobbles but started to blackmail Tony over Liam Connor’s death. Tony then strangled Jed and presumed him dead.
Realising that Jed was still alive, Tony gave Jed a chance to live and shipped him off to Wigan. He was last seen on the soap in 2009.
What Other Media Are Saying
- RTE reports Kenneth Cope’s passing at 93 marks the end of an era for British television. His iconic roles in Randall and Hopkirk and Coronation Street made him a beloved figure in entertainment history. (Read More)
- Radio Times is remembering Kenneth Cope as a true gentleman, with memorable performances in Coronation Street and Carry On films. (Read More)
- The Guardian recounted how Kenneth Cope, a Liverpudlian icon, is leaving behind a rich legacy in British culture after passing away. (Read More)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Kenneth Cope?
Kenneth Cope was a British actor best known for his roles in Coronation Street as Jed Stone and in Brookside as Ray Hilton.
When did Kenneth Cope first appear in Coronation Street?
Cope first appeared on Coronation Street in 1961, portraying the character Jed Stone.
What happened to Kenneth Cope’s character Jed Stone in Coronation Street?
Jed Stone was known for get-rich-quick schemes. He left Coronation Street in 1966, returned in 2008, and was last seen on the show in 2009.
When did Kenneth Cope pass away?
Kenneth Cope passed away at the age of 93 at his home in Southport, Liverpool, with his wife and daughter by his side.
What other notable roles did Kenneth Cope have?
In addition to Coronation Street, Kenneth Cope played Ray Hilton in Brookside between 1999 and 2002.