John St Ryan, who was known for his role as Charlie Whelan in Coronation Street, has died at the age of 72News

Fran Winston and Benjamin Blosse

07:29, 07 Apr 2025

(Image: (Image: ITV))

A former Coronation Street actor has passed away at 72 following a heart attack.

John Saint Ryan, known for his portrayal of lorry driver Charlie Whelan from 1993 to 1994, died on April 3 surrounded by family, his wife said.

“I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April,” his wife, Joyce, posted.

“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.

“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,” she concluded.

Born in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1953, John began as a martial arts teacher before transitioning into acting. His first role was as a stunt double for Sean Connery in The Medicine Man, followed by his acting debut in Channel 4’s G.B.H. in 1983. He also appeared in Emmerdale as Jameson before landing his notable role in Coronation Street, reports the Express.

As long-distance lorry driver Charlie Whelan, he 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 including 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 American Cyborg: Steel Warrior.

Away from the 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.