Dean Sullivan: In a poignant gathering of friends, colleagues, and admirers, the cast of the iconic British soap opera Brookside bid farewell to their beloved former castmate, Dean Sullivan. The Liverpudlian actor, renowned for his portrayal of Jimmy Corkhill, passed away last month at the age of 68 after a brief battle with prostate cancer.
The funeral service, held at Liverpool Parish Church, was a heartfelt tribute to Sullivan’s contributions to the world of television and his enduring legacy as a British soap icon. Among the attendees were familiar faces from the Brookside cast, including Sue Johnston, Michael Starke, and Louis Emerick, who came together to celebrate the life of their colleague and friend.
The arrival of the coffin in a horse-drawn carriage, adorned with a poignant floral tribute that simply read “Deano,” added a personal touch to the somber occasion. Sue Jenkins, who played Sullivan’s on-screen wife Jackie Corkhill, and Claire Sweeney, who portrayed their daughter Lindsey Corkhill, were present to pay their respects, highlighting the strong bonds forged during their time working together on the groundbreaking soap.
Notably, Sullivan’s dog, a Schnauzer named Billy, also attended the funeral, a touching symbol of the actor’s personal life and the companionship he shared with those closest to him. The diverse attendance, including the soap’s creator Phil Redmond and Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, reflected the impact Sullivan had both within the entertainment industry and beyond.
Dean Sullivan’s battle with prostate cancer, diagnosed in 2018, was acknowledged during the service. In a touching gesture, the order of service encouraged donations in the actor’s memory to be made to Prostate Cancer UK, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the disease that affected him personally.
Brookside, which launched in November 1982, revolutionized British television with its groundbreaking approach and real-life setting in West Derby, Liverpool. Sullivan joined the cast in 1986, swiftly becoming a series regular due to the popularity of his character, Jimmy Corkhill. The soap’s success and enduring impact on popular culture are evident in the outpouring of support and remembrance for Sullivan.
In a statement released by Sullivan’s family last month, they expressed deep sadness at his passing. To millions, he will forever be remembered as Jimmy Corkhill, and to family and friends, he was affectionately known as Dino. The longevity of his role on Brookside solidified his status as a television legend.
As the Brookside cast, family, and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes, the echoes of Dean Sullivan’s contributions to British television and his enduring spirit will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
Dean Sullivan:
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