John Saint Ryan, the beloved actor known for his role as Charlie Whelan in the iconic British soap opera Coronation Street, has sadly passed away at the age of 72. He died on April 3, 2025, after suffering a heart attack, surrounded by his family.
The heartbreaking news was shared by his wife Joyce in a poignant Facebook post. She wrote, "I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April. 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."
Saint Ryan was born in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1953. Before embarking on his acting career, he was a martial arts teacher and even worked as a stunt double for the legendary Sean Connery in the film The Medicine Man. His official acting debut came in 1983 with a role in the Channel 4 series G.B.H.. Following this, he appeared in a small role in the soap opera Emmerdale as Jameson, but it was his portrayal of Charlie Whelan in Coronation Street from 1993 to 1994 that made him a household name.
As Charlie, a long-distance lorry driver, Saint Ryan captured the hearts of viewers, particularly during his tumultuous romance with the iconic landlady Bet Gilroy, played by Julie Goodyear. Their relationship unfolded amidst drama, including Charlie's entanglement with barmaid Tanya Pooley, which saw him run off to Germany before ultimately being dumped.
After his time on Coronation Street, Saint Ryan relocated to California in the early 1990s, where he continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. He took on various supporting roles in popular television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, General Hospital, Murder, She Wrote, and Cybill. He also starred as the main antagonist in the sci-fi film American Cyborg: Steel Warrior.
Outside of acting, John was a passionate equestrian. He owned and operated the Red Rose Ranch in California, where he trained horses and riders in both dressage and western riding, specializing in the doma vaquera style. His dedication to the sport earned him multiple national and international titles.
Saint Ryan's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Many took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the actor. Comments poured in, with fans saying things like, "Oh my heart breaks to read this. I'm so, so sorry for his family and friends - this is a hard loss. Huge condolences," and, "He was an amazing horseman and person; heartbreaking news, he changed the way I look at horses and horsemanship. It was a privilege to share time with him."
He is survived by his wife Joyce and their three sons, including Samuel Barker, an Emmy-winning lighting director known for his work on The Voice.
As fans reflect on John Saint Ryan's contributions to television and the equestrian community, his legacy as a talented actor and a respected horse trainer will undoubtedly live on. His family plans to hold a celebration of his life in the future, honoring the impact he had on those who knew and loved him.
In a related note, the world of Coronation Street continues to evolve, with recent spoilers revealing that Alya Nazir has put No. 6 Coronation Street up for sale for her grandmother Yasmeen. This house has been in the Nazir family since 2013, and its sale marks a significant change for the character, who has been living there alone since her grandmother's departure.
As the show progresses, fans are left wondering how these developments will unfold, while also mourning the loss of one of its cherished stars.
