The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Philip Lowrie, a beloved British actor who played Dennis Tanner on the long-running TV show Coronation Street. Lowrie passed away on April 25, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that touched fans not just in the UK but also across the pond in the US. For American fans of British TV, his death is a big moment, as Coronation Street has a loyal following here. Let’s take a closer look at Lowrie’s life, his role on the show, and why US viewers are sharing heartfelt tributes.
Who Was Philip Lowrie?
Philip Lowrie was born on June 20, 1936, in Ashton-under-Lyne, England. He became a household name when he joined Coronation Street in 1960, the year the show first aired. Coronation Street, often called “Corrie,” is a British soap opera set in the fictional town of Weatherfield, focusing on the lives of working-class families. It’s the longest-running TV soap opera in the world, with over 10,000 episodes as of 2025, according to the show’s official website [coronationstreet.fandom.com].
Lowrie played Dennis Tanner, a cheeky and lovable character who often got into mischief but had a good heart. Dennis was part of the show’s very first episode, making Lowrie one of the original cast members. He appeared in over 600 episodes, first from 1960 to 1968, and then returned for another stint from 2011 to 2014. His comedic timing and charm made him a fan favorite, especially for his funny storylines, like trying to become a pop star in the 1960s.
A Career Beyond Coronation Street
While Lowrie was best known for Coronation Street, he had a long career in acting. He appeared in other British TV shows like The Cuckoo Waltz (1980) and Doctors (2009), and even took on stage roles in theater productions. In a 2011 interview with The Guardian, Lowrie shared that he loved the variety of acting, saying, “I’ve been lucky to play so many different roles, but Dennis Tanner will always be special to me” [theguardian.com, 2011].
Lowrie’s return to Coronation Street in 2011 was a big deal for fans. His character came back after decades, revealing he’d been living a tough life on the streets before reuniting with his family. His final exit in 2014 saw Dennis leaving Weatherfield for a fresh start, a bittersweet moment for viewers.
Why US Fans Loved Him
Coronation Street has a cult following in the US, where fans stream it on platforms like BritBox and Hulu. The show’s relatable characters and dramatic storylines have drawn American viewers for years. According to BritBox, Coronation Street averages over 500,000 US streams per month in 2025 [britbox.com, 2025]. Philip Lowrie’s Dennis Tanner was a big part of that appeal, with his humor and heartwarming moments.
After news of Lowrie’s passing broke on April 25, 2025, US fans took to X to share their sadness. One fan, posted a clip of Dennis Tanner’s failed pop star audition, writing, “Philip Lowrie made me laugh so hard. RIP to a true legend.” Another user, shared, “Watching Dennis on Corrie got me through tough days. Thank you, Philip Lowrie, for the joy you brought us.” These tributes show how much Lowrie meant to American audiences, even thousands of miles from Weatherfield.
Tributes from the Industry
The Coronation Street team released a statement on their official X account (@itvcorrie) on April 26, 2025: “We’re heartbroken to lose Philip Lowrie, who brought Dennis Tanner to life with such warmth and humor. He was a pioneer of the show, and his legacy will live on.” Co-star William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow and worked with Lowrie since 1960, told The Sun, “Phil was a dear friend and a joy to work with. He made every scene better with his talent” [thesun.co.uk, April 26, 2025].
A Lasting Legacy
Philip Lowrie’s death at 88 marks the end of an era for Coronation Street fans. His 600+ episodes left a lasting mark on the show, and his comedic flair made Dennis Tanner unforgettable. For US viewers, Lowrie’s role introduced them to the charm of British soaps, building a bridge between the UK and American TV fans.