Philip Lowrie was born Colin Philip Lowrie on 20 June 1936 and died at 88 on 25 April 2025. He was an English stage and television actor best known for portraying the role of Dennis Tanner in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street, which he played from the programme’s inception in 1960 to 1968 and again from 2011 to 2014.
Here is how the sad news hid in the media. Beloved Actor and Original Cast Member of Coronation Street, Philip Lowrie, the distinguished actor best known for his iconic role as the charming and often mischievous Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in British television history, as Lowrie was a cornerstone of the long-running and beloved soap opera.
A Legacy on the Cobbles
Lowrie’s career began in 1960 when he became one of the original cast members of Coronation Street, the world’s longest-running soap opera. As Dennis Tanner, he brought the character of a streetwise yet endearing young man to life, quickly capturing the hearts of viewers with his cheeky grin and sharp wit. For 15 years, Lowrie’s portrayal of Dennis was central to the show’s fabric, as Tanner’s life intersected with some of the show’s most significant events.
Lowrie’s tenure on Coronation Street spanned from 1960 to 1968, but his impact on the series remained even after his departure. Dennis Tanner’s character, once gone, was remembered fondly, and in 2011, when the actor returned to the role in a surprise storyline, it was met with great acclaim by long-time fans of the show. His return, at the age of 76, was a heartwarming moment that reinforced his enduring connection to the iconic series.
His character, Dennis, had a tumultuous relationship with his family, particularly with his parents, and engaged in countless memorable storylines that touched on love, betrayal, and personal growth. While the character of Dennis Tanner didn’t have the longevity of other Corrie stalwarts, his role in the show’s early years helped lay the groundwork for the complex, multifaceted storytelling that would define the soap in the following decades.
A Career Beyond the Cobbles
Though Coronation Street was his defining role, Philip Lowrie’s career spanned far beyond the cobbles of Weatherfield. After leaving the show in 1968, Lowrie went on to find success in various roles on stage and screen. He performed in numerous theatre productions and appeared in several notable television dramas. His versatility as an actor enabled him to portray a range of characters, from the lighthearted to the more dramatic, consistently bringing a sense of authenticity to his roles.
In addition to his work in front of the camera, Lowrie was a passionate advocate for the arts. He frequently worked with emerging actors and supported drama schools. His love for theatre and storytelling never waned, even as he aged.
A Warm and Gentle Soul
Off-screen, those who knew Lowrie described him as kind, humble, and witty. His colleagues spoke fondly of his generosity of spirit, often recalling his ability to make others laugh with his dry humour and sharp observations. Despite his fame, he remained remarkably down-to-earth, maintaining close relationships with many of his castmates from Coronation Street and other projects in which he worked.
He was also a devoted family man, and his loved ones were always at the forefront of his life. Lowrie is survived by his children and grandchildren, who remember him as a loving father and grandfather with a zest for life and a heart full of love.
Remembering Philip Lowrie
Philip Lowrie’s legacy is cemented in his iconic role on Coronation Street and his enduring influence on British television and the theatre. His contributions to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten, and his place in the hearts of fans will remain for generations to come.
In his passing, the world loses an actor whose work has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world and whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew him.
A private funeral service will be held for close family and friends, with a public memorial planned for later this year. Fans and colleagues are invited to pay tribute to the late actor and celebrate his enduring legacy.
Philip Lowrie’s character may have lived on the cobbled streets of Weatherfield, but his memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Rest in peace, Philip.
