SAD NEWS: Just 5 minutes ago, ‘One of Ireland’s greatest actors’ — Coronation Street star Frank Grimes has passed away after a short illness, leaving fans and fellow actors in mourning around the world. Known for his powerful performances and deep emotional range, Grimes was often celebrated as one of Ireland’s most gifted performers, a man whose voice, presence, and passion for storytelling made every role unforgettable. Born in Dublin, Frank Grimes began acting at a young age, captivated by the world of theatre long before television fame ever found him. His early career saw him training on the Irish stage, where his natural intensity and command of language quickly set him apart. From there, he went on to become a fixture in both British and Irish television, but it was his role as Barry Connor on Coronation Street that cemented his status as a household name. Fans adored him for his complex portrayal — a man torn between loyalty and guilt, compassion and stubborn pride — and even years after his departure, viewers continued to call him one of the most authentic and emotionally resonant characters the show had ever seen. Offscreen, Grimes was known as a gentleman of rare humility. Castmates often spoke about his quiet humor, his kindness to younger actors, and his ability to elevate every scene simply by being in it. “Frank had this calm power,” one colleague once said. “When he spoke, you listened — not because he demanded attention, but because he earned it.” His death, following what has been described as a “short illness,” has left a palpable silence in the entertainment world. Tributes have poured in from across the industry, with fellow Coronation Street stars calling him a mentor, a friend, and a true artist. Irish stage veterans have referred to him as “the beating heart of Dublin theatre,” while fans online describe him as “the actor who could make you cry with just a look.” Over the course of his five-decade career, Frank Grimes worked on both sides of the Atlantic, appearing not just in soaps but in acclaimed dramas, radio plays, and theatre productions. His versatility was legendary — he could shift from tragedy to comedy with ease, his every gesture deliberate and layered with meaning. Beyond his acting, he was also a writer and mentor, often giving his time to aspiring performers at the Irish Cultural Centre in London, where he was deeply loved by the community. It was the same center that confirmed his passing, describing him as “one of Ireland’s greatest actors and one of our dearest friends.” His final public appearance came earlier this year, when he attended a charity gala for young Irish artists in London. Those who saw him there recall that he looked tired but radiant, laughing easily and taking photos with fans. No one could have guessed it would be his last. Frank Grimes leaves behind his wife, two children, and several grandchildren — a close-knit family he spoke of often with pride and affection. Friends describe him as a devoted father, a gentle soul who never let fame change his heart. “He lived with grace,” one longtime collaborator said. “He treated everyone, from directors to extras, with the same warmth. That’s what made him great — not just the acting, but the humanity.” Even as Coronation Street continues to evolve, many believe Grimes’ legacy will remain woven into the show’s fabric. His episodes are still replayed by fans who find comfort in his performances, a reminder of an era when storytelling was raw and character-driven. Beyond the screen, Ireland has lost one of its brightest lights — a man who carried his culture proudly and represented it with dignity on the world stage. In his honor, theatres across Dublin are expected to dim their lights later this week, and a tribute episode of Coronation Street is reportedly being planned for the coming months. In every role, from the smallest guest appearance to his most celebrated performances, Frank Grimes brought truth — the kind of truth that can’t be faked, only lived. His passing feels like the end of an era, but his work ensures he will never truly be gone. His voice, his characters, and his spirit live on in every frame, every memory, every fan who was moved by his art. Rest in peace, Frank Grimes — a legend, a gentleman, and a true son of Ireland whose light will never fade.