Soaps

Thunderbirds and Coronation Street star Shane Rimmer has died, aged 89

He had a role in Coronation Street from 1968 to 1970

Former Coronation Street and Thunderbirds star Shane Rimmer has died at the age of 89.

The actor, who was best known for providing the voice of Scott Tracy in the television series Thunderbirds from 1965 to 1966, has tragically passed away at the age of 89, his former co-workers have confirmed.

Shane also appeared in several James Bond movies throughout his career, and Bond historian Mark O’Connell and producer Jonathan Sothcott both took to Twitter to confirm the sad news of the actor’s passing.

https://twitter.com/sothcott/status/1111579147950850049

Jonathan wrote: “RIP that fine character actor Shane Rimmer – a great face (and voice) in some of the best loved family films of the 70s: The Spy Who Loved me, Warlords of Atlantis, Star Wars. Thunderbirds. Amazing career. #ShaneRimmer”

Whilst Mark added: “‘What’s the matter, sailor? Never seen a Major take a shower before?’

“Four Bond bullets, three Superman movies, one Star Wars, a Rollerball, a Dr Strangelove and Scott Tracy…

“RIP to the godfather of “I know that guy” casting – Mr Shane Rimmer. #RIPShaneRimmer”

Shane starred in Corrie between 1968 and 1970 (Credit: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

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Shane was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1929 but emigrated to the UK in the late 1950s where he performed as a cabaret singer before landing the famous role as the pilot of Thunderbird 1.

Beyond his role in Thunderbirds, Shane also became a celebrated British TV actor, and held the role of Joe Donelli in Coronation Street from 1968 to 1970.

Shane played Joe Donelli in Coronation Street (Credit: ITV/YouTube)

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In the soap, his character held Stan Ogden hostage before taking his own life in some of the street’s darkest scenes.

He then reappeared on the cobbles in 1988, where he played the father of Audrey Roberts’ son Stephen.

Shane is survived by his wife Sheila, as well as their sons and grandchildren.

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