Corrie star Frank Grimes dies at 78

Tributes arrive after the Coronation Street actor Frank Grimes dies following a short illness.

Corrie star Frank Grimes dies at 78

Frank Grimes, known to many as Barry Connor on Coronation Street, has died aged 78 after a short illness. He passed away in the early hours of Friday, August 1, surrounded by his family. The Irish Cultural Centre in London issued a heartfelt tribute, calling him one of Ireland’s greatest actors and praising his warmth, Dublin wit, and the sparkle in his eyes. Grimes appeared in more than 50 episodes of Coronation Street between 2008 and 2015 and also worked in film and theatre across several decades.

Earlier in his career, Grimes trained at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and performed on stage across the Abbey and Peacock theatres. The theatre highlighted his range from early stage work to later projects, including a Broadway transfer of Borstal Boy which earned recognition at the time. Tributes from theatre groups and colleagues reflect a life spent across national boundaries, sustained by a love for live performance.

This obituary underlines how a character actor can become a cultural touchstone through a long, diverse career. Grimes’ path—from Dublin theatres to a recurring TV role and even Broadway involvement—illustrates the mobility of Irish actors within global stages. The emphasis on warmth and wit in tributes suggests a measure of soft power in the Irish theatrical community, where character and craft can outgrow a single show.

As audiences shift toward streaming or shorter TV runs, Grimes’ legacy points to the lasting value of stage work and steady screen gigs. His career shows how a performer can build a durable reputation by mastering craft, collaborating with cultural institutions, and remaining active across different media.

Highlights

The stage world remembers his quiet impact on audiences around the globe.