- Brookside’s Jimmy Corkhill Legacy
- Prolific Career Beyond TV
- Diverse Theatrical Contributions
Dean Sullivan’s portrayal of Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside spawned several memorable plot points for the soap opera, including the revelation that antagonist Trevor Jordache’s remains were discovered beneath his patio.
Dean Sullivan, a director and actor, passed away at 68.
Sullivan was the longest-serving Brookside cast member, playing Jimmy Corkhill from 1986 to 2003.
Personal Struggles and Peaceful Passing
In 2018, the actor received a prostate cancer diagnosis. On Thursday, he passed away peacefully, according to his agent.
“While millions remembered him as ‘Jimmy,’ his family and friends referred to him as ‘Dino.'” Dean’s family commended Arrowe Park Hospital for their consistent and steadfast support. “We request that you honor their privacy during this time of sorrow,” Hamilton Management and his family said in a joint statement.
From 1982 to 2003, Brookside chronicled the lives of the inhabitants of Brookside Close in Liverpool. Anna Friel portrayed Beth Jordache, Claire Sweeney portrayed Jimmy’s daughter Lindsey, and Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston of The Royle Family appeared as Bobby and Sheila Grant, respectively.
The serial is known for its revolutionary plotlines, including the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss in the UK in 1994.
Before entering the acting profession, Sullivan, a native of Liverpool, taught elementary education and graduated from Lancaster University. Upon joining Brookside in 1986, he expeditiously established Jimmy as one of the most recognizable characters of the soap opera.
“Seize the opportunity: Sign up for Webull UK and receive free shares!”
The Versatile Artistry Beyond Brookside
He participated in numerous pivotal instances of the show, such as the revelation of antagonist Trevor Jordache’s remains beneath a patio alongside his canine companion, Cracker. Two years he had passed since Jordache was murdered by his wife, Mandy, and daughter, Beth, who had subjected him to years of domestic violence.
After the soap opera’s 2003 demise, Sullivan won two British Soap Awards, one for special commendation, for playing Jimmy. After completing the most episodes filmed by any actor, he provided the narration for a Brookside DVD boxset.
He appeared in other television dramas, such as Doctors, The Royal (ITV), and Crime Stories (ITV). In 2022, he seemed opposite Tom Lister of Emmerdale in the Netflix short film Wings.
The actor additionally showcased his theatrical abilities on stage, where he portrayed Scullery in the North West debut of Road at the Octagon in Bolton, directed by Jim Cartwright. Additionally, he starred in an Alan Bennett one-person monologue tour. He also appeared alongside the late Lionel Blair in the world premiere of Stand Up! The Musical.
He performed in pantomime venues throughout the United Kingdom as Smee from Peter Pan, Abanazar from Aladdin, the Dame from Cinderella, Starkey from Peter Pan, and King Rat from Dick Whittington.
His agent, Alan Hamilton, stated that Sullivan also had experience in writing and theatre directing, having operated his own theatre production company and directed several performances for the National Trust and other clients.
Contributions Beyond the Screen
Dean donated time to too many national, international, and regional charities to name. “He participated in charity events, delivered speeches, and presided over significant campaigns live, on television, radio, and in the press.”
His assistance has contributed to the annual collection of hundreds of thousands of pounds for various causes and has substantially increased awareness of critical campaign messages for charitable organizations.
Hamilton noted that Sullivan, one of seven siblings, “hailed from modest, working-class Merseyside origins.”
New Vauxhall Corsa: Is Britain’s top-selling small car now improved
