British actor and writer Kenneth Cope, renowned for his role in the detective series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), has passed away at the age of 93. According to a statement from his agent, Cope “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on Wednesday, surrounded by his wife and family.
Cope gained fame for his portrayal of Marty Hopkirk in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), a character who is murdered but returns as a ghost to aid his partner in solving crimes. The show, which first aired in 1969 and 1970, became a cult favorite and was remade in 2000 by comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer.
In addition to his role in Randall and Hopkirk, Cope was well-known for his long-running appearance in Coronation Street as Jed Stone. He was also part of the iconic Carry On team. A statement from his agent described him as a “natural comedy actor” and a “proud Liverpudlian,” highlighting his loyalty to Everton Football Club.
His family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Cope is survived by his wife, Renny Lister, and their children Nick, Mark, and Martha.
Cope began his acting journey in theatre before transitioning to film and television, securing a wide range of roles. His other notable credits include Brookside, That Was The Week That Was, Doctors, The Bill, Truckers, and Last of the Summer Wine.
As Jed Stone, Cope appeared in over 100 episodes of Coronation Street during the 1960s, and briefly reprised the role in 2008 and 2009. A spokesperson for the show praised his performance, noting that Cope was a “talented actor and writer” who became a fan favorite.
Cope also portrayed Ray Hilton in Brookside, appearing in 171 episodes between 1999 and 2002. Michael Starke, who played Sinbad in the same series, remembered Cope as a “proper gentleman” and a generous colleague, describing him as “sweet” and “always kind.”
Among his other leading roles were performances in the comedy films Carry On at Your Convenience (1971) and Carry On Matron (1972), further cementing his status as a beloved figure in British entertainment.
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