Coronation Street and The Crown star James Laurenson dies as tributes pour in

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Coronation Street star James Laurenson, renowned for his long-standing career in TV and film, has sadly passed away at the age of 84.Laurenson boasted an impressive five-decade career, with notable appearances in Coronation Street, hit Netflix Royal series The Crown, and Spooks.He made his film debut in 1969's Women In Love, directed by Ken Russell.He also etched his name in television history by sharing the first televised gay kiss with Ian McKellen in a 1970 adaptation of Christopher Marlowe's Edward II, a groundbreaking scene that came three years after the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

Coronation Street viewers may recall his portrayal of Reverend Peter Hope of St Mary's Church in 1968, reports the Mirror. He went on to grace the screens in beloved shows such as Spooks, Taggart, Prime Suspect, and Midsomer Murders.His talent was recognised in 2011 with an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Nicholas Hytner's production of Hamlet.He leaves behind his second wife, Cari Haysom, and son Jamie from his first marriage to actress Carol Macready, which ended in 1997.Born in New Zealand, James' earliest memory was "seeing a Lockheed Hudson flying over our house and being told that my father was in it".His father shared his passion for the arts, being an amateur actor himself.James Laurenson, the esteemed actor, passed away leaving behind a legacy of his time in the spotlight.He studied at Canterbury University College in Christchurch before moving to London, where he quickly learned the tough nature of the acting industry, confessing, "the first thing I learnt is that it is really hard to find work and be offered scripts".He spoke candidly about the profession's