Johnny Briggs, ‘Coronation Street’ star, dies at 85

Johnny Briggs, veteran English actor known for his role in ‘Coronation Street’, a British soap opera, has passed away at 85.

According to the BBC, the deceased’s family broke the sad news in a statement on Sunday.

The statement revealed that the movie star breathed his last in the early hours of the day after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.

The family members, however, enjoined the public to respect their privacy as they battle to come to terms with the demise of the actor.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs. He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85,” it read.

“We politely ask for privacy at this time, so that we can quietly grieve as a family and remember the wonderful times we had with him.”

Born on September 5, 1935, Briggs started his acting career at the age of 12 in London.

He rode to the spotlight in 1976 when he landed the role of Mike Baldwin in ‘Coronation Street’ — a role he played for about three decades until 2006 when his character was killed.

Briggs had an illustrious movie career as he won several awards as well as recognition.