Beloved Kes actor Duggie Brown from Rotherham, who also starred in Coronation Street and Last of the Summer Wine, dies aged 82

The comedian and actor, who starred in Coronation Street and Last of the Summer Wine, has died just nine days after his 82nd birthday, his manager announced on Twitter.

The Rotherham-born actor first found fame in Ken Loach’s 1969 film Kes and went on to become one of the most renowned comedians of his generation.

He also appeared in comedy programmes The Comedians and The Wheeltappers And Shunters Social Club.

His career spanned more than five decades during which time Duggie had made a name for himself on all acting platforms including documentaries, dramas and movies. He has appeared in All Creatures Great and Small, Heartbeat, Hotel Babylon, EastEnders, Holby City and My Brother’s Keeper.

In a tweet, his manager, Lee Morgan, said: “It is with a heavy heart I share the news the very talented Comedian & Actor Duggie Brown passed away this morning with his wife Jackie by his side.

“What an honour it was to work with Duggie. A born entertainer who loved his profession. RIP Duggie Brown. We love & salute you.”

Fellow actor, Neil Hurst, also shared his tribute, starting off saying it was a “sad day”.

“Beyond sad to hear that my ol’ pal Duggie Brown has passed away,” he said in a tweet.

“One of my very first telly jobs was with Duggie back in 1997 and I was lucky to appear in so many shows with him since. Genuinely one of the nicest and funniest guys in the business.”

British comedian Tommt Cannon also said in a tweet: “Really sad to hear about the passing of Duggie Brown, Rest in peace pal, what a funny funny man - thinking of all your friends and family.”

Duggie was the brother of Coronation Street actor Lynne Perrie, who died in 2006.

He played Ted Spear in Coronation Street and also made his mark as a stage actor when he played the Fool in Shakespeare’s King Lear at the Northern Broadsides Theatre Company’s national tour. He also starred in We Are Three Sisters based on Anton Chekhov’s novel that navigated through the lives of the Bronte sisters.

Duggie was inducted into the Grand Order of Water Rats which eventually led to the position of ‘King Rat’ in 2020.

The cause of his death is unknown at this time.