Who was Alan Rothwell? Original ‘Coronation Street’ star dies at 89

Veteran actor Alan Rothwell, best known to generations of viewers for playing David Barlow in the original cast of Coronation Street, has died at the age of 89 following a short illness.

The Oldham-born performer appeared in ITV’s long-running soap from its launch in 1960 until 1969, becoming one of the programme’s earliest familiar faces during its formative years. His family confirmed on Thursday that Rothwell had “died peacefully in hospital”, remembering him not only for his acting career but also as a devoted family man. 

Who was Alan Rothwell?

Rothwell’s connection to Coronation Street stretched back long before the cameras began rolling.

The actor had known the soap’s creator, Tony Warren, since childhood after the pair worked together on BBC Radio’s Children’s Hour. According to reports, Warren later wrote the role of David Barlow with Rothwell specifically in mind, helping secure the actor’s place in television history when the soap first aired in 1960. 

During his nine years on the programme, Rothwell played David Barlow, the brother of Ken Barlow, portrayed by William Roache. His time on the soap coincided with Coronation Street’s rise into one of Britain’s defining television institutions.

Beyond ‘Coronation Street’

Although many viewers remembered Rothwell for his time on the cobbles, his career stretched far beyond Weatherfield.

He later appeared in television series including Gideon’s Way, The Villains and Channel 4 soap Brookside, where he played Nicholas Black during the 1980s.

For younger audiences, Rothwell also became a familiar face as presenter of children’s programmes Picture Box and Hickory House, introducing him to a new generation of viewers outside traditional drama roles. More recently, he made appearances in programmes including Doctors. 

Following news of his death, William Roache paid tribute to his former co-star, describing Rothwell as “a very good actor and a delightful man”.

Coronation Street also shared condolences, remembering Rothwell as one of the programme’s original cast members who created a “memorable character” in David Barlow. 

Beyond his screen career, Rothwell’s family said he would be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle who would be “deeply missed”.