Dean Sullivan, an actor famous for his portrayal of Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside, died at the age of 68 due to prostate cancer. Dean was the longest-serving actor on the Liverpool-based soap opera, created by Phil Redmond, which captured the audience’s attention when it debuted with the launch of Channel 4 in 1982.
Dean joined the show as a semi-regular actor in 1986, playing the role of the younger brother of Billy. After later becoming a full-time actor on the show, the character of Jimmy was involved in many stories regarding petty crime before getting more complicated and mixed up with a dangerous underworld, leading to drug addiction. He had also teamed up with many shady business enterprises with his “scallies” friends, causing them to face great danger.
Dean was born in Liverpool to Evelyn and William Sullivan, the fourth of seven children. He attended St Margaret’s high school, Aigburth. After graduating from Lancaster University with a BEd in drama and education, he worked as a drama and English teacher at primary schools in Liverpool for six years, directing school plays. Before being part of Brookside, he continued to act as an amateur with the Neptune Theatre Company and performed professionally at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, the Theatr Clwyd, and the Gateway Theatre among other places.
Throughout his career, Dean’s portrayal of Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside brought him a significant amount of acclaim. He was fascinated by his character’s inner character journey, from his exit from the show to his vulnerability and drug addiction. Indeed, the show drew a great deal of attention for tackling difficult topics and portraying serious issues realistically.
Sullivan is survived by four brothers, Alan, Brian, Derek, and Neil, and a sister, Joy. In 2003, he won the British Soap Awards’ special achievement honor. He was an extraordinary actor in his time and his legacy will live on
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