By Lucy Caulkett-
Coronation Street’s legendary actress, Liz Dawn, who played Vera Duckworth in the soap for more than 30 years, has died. She will get a great farewell because of the impact she had on viewers of the soap for the past three decades. Her family say she died peacefully in her sleep.
Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, Dawn started of as a nightclub singer , before exploring acting and advertisements as part of her journey in the television industry. In the 70’s, Dawn appeared in All creatures Great and Small, and Leeds United-n the television play written by Colin Welland. She eventually appeared in Coronation Street in 1974.
Her devastated family paid tribute to the 77-year-old Actress, stating that she has been the love, light, an inspiration in our lives, and we are bereft at her passing.” She added, we extend our heartfelt condolences at this sad time to her devoted husband Don, and her children, to Graham, Dawn, Ann, Julie, their families, their six grandchildren and three great children.
Dawn was surrounded by her family at her home where she died on Monday night. ITV said everyone at Coronation Street was “heartbroken” at the news. A press statement by ITV read : “We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives, as she was such a kind, considerate and caring friend and colleague.
“As Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth for 34 years, Liz brought so much joy and happiness to so many. She was a wonderful actress who will forever be a true Coronation Street legend.” A flamboyant and vibrant character, Vera was an actress with a special touch. Her volatile relationship with her husband Jack, played by Bill Tarmey, was a catching feature of the soap loved by millions in the UK.
She played the role from 1974 until 2008, when an episode featuring Vera’s death attracted over 12 million viewers. She was unfortunately diagnosed with emphysema in 2004, but lived an extra 13 years. One of the pinnacles of her career came when Dawn died in her sleep(in the programme) in 2008, bringing 34 years of her iconic character to a sudden end.
Dawn made a brief come back in 2010, displaying her brilliant acting skills in her come back to the programme when she played her own ghost. In the bizarre but interesting episode, she comes back to share one last with her husband..
Dawn won a lifetime achievement award at the British Soap Awards in 2008
Corrie’s executive producer Kieran Roberts said: “Liz Dawn was a true Coronation Street legend, a brilliant actor and a wonderful person.
“Everyone lucky enough to have worked with Liz during her 34 years playing Corrie icon Vera Duckworth will remember her with huge affection.”