Frank Grimes, star of ITV soap Coronation Street and BBC’s Mrs Brown’s Boys, has died at the age of 78.
The Bafta winner is understood to have passed away on Friday, August 1, following a short illness.
The announcement came from the Irish Cultural Centre in London, which shared a heartfelt statement.
It read: “He was so warm-hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance, and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes.
RIP Frank Grimes aka Corrie’s Barry Connor. pic.twitter.com/lnZkyQ9lqv
— Stuart Beck (@StuartBeckMP) August 6, 2025
“‘We know that Ireland has lost one of its truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again.
“We are so sad to have to say goodbye to Frank, but we are also so blessed to have known him, to have worked with him, and seen him perform.”
The tribute continued: “We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly, his son Andrew, his 7 grandchildren, and to all his extended family.
‘We also send our condolences to all of Frank’s friends and loved ones – May Frank sleep easy now and Rest In Peace.’
Grimes starred as Barrington “Barry” Connor in the classic ITV soap, appearing at regular intervals between 2008 and 2015.
The character was the father of Paul, Liam, and Michelle Connor and made a comeback to the cobbles for Michelle’s wedding to Steve McDonald in 2015.
The actor also starred in Mrs Brown’s Boys, A Bridge Too Far, The Outsider, and Blind Justice.
Reflecting on his successful career, The Irish Cultural Centre wrote on Facebook: “Frank was undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest actors; he was a dearly loved friend of the ICC’s and over the past three decades, he trod the ICC’s stage on so many occasions.
“Frank performed this superb tribute to his hero James Joyce, on whom he was an expert, three times at the ICC, and each time, every night, he received standing ovations!
“Frank was a spell-binding actor who had the most beautiful, mesmerising voice and he often appeared on the radio show Bright Side Of The Road…
“Frank Grimes was born in Dublin. He trained at the Abbey Theatre and was a member of the Abbey Players.
“He scored an early success as Brendan Behan in Borstal Boy at the Abbey in Dublin, Paris and on Broadway, where he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor and was voted ‘Most Promising Actor’ by the New York critics.
“Frank worked extensively in the theatre in London; at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and in London’s West End.”
Writing on X, fans paid tribute to the late actor, with one writing: “RIP Frank Grimes aka Corrie’s Barry Connor.”
“RIP Frank Grimes,” another simply stated, with a third sharing: “Frank Grimes RIP. Another one of the Strumpet City cast gone. A fine Irish actor.” (sic)
