Johnny Briggs

Early life Briggs was born in Battersea, south-west London, on 5 September 1935. His father was a master carpenter. He was evacuated from London during the Blitz campaign of World War II. when he was 12 years old.

Career One of Briggs' first acting roles was in Quartet (1948), alongside George Cole. Briggs also worked as a stagehand at the Windmill Theatre,

In 2005 Briggs announced his intention to leave the role of Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street, citing the hectic filming schedule as the main reason for his departure. After appearing in 2,348 episodes, he filmed his final scenes in the show on 13 March 2006 and they were broadcast on 7 April. Briggs' character (who had been ill with Alzheimer's disease for several months) collapsed and died in the arms of Ken Barlow in the street after suffering a heart attack.

Briggs' last theatre appearance was at the Manchester Opera House in the 2007 pantomime in which he played the father of Cinderella alongside former Coronation Street co-star Tina O'Brien.

Despite suggesting he was to retire from acting after leaving Coronation Street, Briggs made appearances in both Agatha Christie's Marple and Holby City in 2007, as well as the short-lived ITV soap opera Echo Beach in 2008. He was a keen golfer. He was awarded the MBE in the 2007 New Year Honours.

Briggs died peacefully in his sleep on 28 February 2021, at the age of 85.

Selected filmography

Hue and Cry (1947) – Bit Part (uncredited) Oliver Twist (1948) – Undetermined Minor Role (uncredited) Second Fiddle (1957) – Jimmy The Intelligence Men (1965) – Boy in cinema Carry On Up the Khyber (1968) – Sporran Soldier (uncredited) La ragazza con la pistola (1968) – Brawler (uncredited) Some Girls Do (1969) – Air Traffic Controller The Last Escape (1970) – Cpl. O'Connell Perfect Friday (1970) – Taxi Driver Quest for Love (1971) – Club Barman (uncredited) Au Pair Girls (1972) – Malcolm Bless This House (1972) – Open Truck Driver Go for a Take (1972) – Assistant Director (uncredited) The Best Pair of Legs in the Business (1973) – Millet Secrets of a Door-to-Door Salesman (1973) – Loman Man About the House (1974) – Milkman Bedtime with Rosie (1974) – Man in Cafe Carry On Behind (1975) – Plasterer (uncredited) Carry On England (1976) – Melly's Driver The Office Party (1976) – Peter