Soap legend Johnny Briggs is dead at 85: Coronation Street star who played Mike Baldwin for 30 years dies at home
Coronation Street star Johnny Briggs who played Mike Baldwin for 30 years on the soap has died aged 85.
The soap legend passed away at his home this morning after a long illness, his family said.
Briggs split his time between a home in Portishead, North Somerset, UK, and a house in Florida.
A family statement said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs.
‘He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85. We politely ask for privacy at this time, so that we can quietly grieve as a family and remember the wonderful times we had with him. Thank you.’
Johnny Briggs, after collecting an MBE in 2007. The actor who played Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street, died on Sunday aged 85 after a long illness, his family said
Briggs played Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street from 1976 to 2006 and received an MBE in 2007
Piers Morgan paid tribute to the Coronation Street actor on social media.
‘RIP Johnny Briggs, 85,’ he tweeted. ‘Coronation Street legend who played rogueish Mike Baldwin for 30yrs. Great character on & off screen.’
Emmerdale actor John Bowe tweeted: ‘RIP Johnny Briggs. Never forgotten introducing you to Guacamole!’
Briggs played underwear factory boss Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street from 1976 to 2006 and received an MBE in 2007.
He appeared in 2,349 episodes, including a 2012 special as a ghost, and is best remembered for his famous feud with Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache, after he had an affair with his wife Deirdre, played by the late Anne Kirkbride.
His character, Mike, had been suffering with Alzheimer’s for months and collapsed in the street after a heart attack, dying in the arms of Ken.
The London-born actor also appeared on stage and in films, alongside the likes of Norman Wisdom, Dirk Bogarde and Tommy Steele.
A father of six, Johnny was married twice, first to Caroline Sinclair from 1961 to 1975 and then to Christine Allsop from 1977 to 2006.