Showbiz 5: Remembering Dean Sullivan

In this special edition of ‘Showbiz 5’ Penelope Teeth brings together tributes to actor and director Dean Sullivan who died earlier this week.

Dean who became the most famous resident of Brookside Close as Jimmy Corkhill was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, but took a sudden decline in recent weeks. Dean was devoted to raising awareness about early signs of the illness and spoke earlier this year about early detection at the Pause for Hope service at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral.

Brookside creator Phil Redmond told the Liverpool Echo newspaper “Dean was a real stalwart of the programme…I don’t know whether it was all wishful thinking on our behalf but I thought he’d come out all ok.” Redmond, who also created Grange Hill and Hollyoaks, added, “It’s a sad loss. He was too young to die… If people can take anything from his death, it’s that message that if you are struggling with anything, it doesn’t matter what it is, there’s always someone who can help you.” 

Friend, and current Doctors performer, Vicky Entwistle who is best known as Janice Battersby in Coronation Street, spoke to ITV News Granada; “I just wanted everybody to know what a lovely man he was.” Noting that Dean had supported her husband with his battle with prostate cancer, messaging him constantly and lifting his spirits. “That just shows the measure of the man, that he [Dean] is, loving and kind, and thinks of everybody else instead of himself, another diamond in the sky.”

The Corkhill family, Brookside, 1996

Claire Sweeney, who played Dean’s on-screen daughter in Brookside, posted on social media; “I will miss you Dean, Love you. It was wonderful to be reunited together as a family for one last time this year at the Soap Awards. RIP Dean Sullivan.” While Alex Fletcher added, “So many great memories on & off screen RIP Deano goodnight God Bless.”

Sue Jenkins who played Jimmy Corkhill’s long-suffering wife posted on X, “It’s honestly hard to find words to express my sadness at the loss of Dean. What a time we had as Jimmy & Jackie A consummate professional, superb, much-loved actor, a sweet, funny, kind human being. I feel privileged to have to been with him yesterday. Rest in peace, Dean.”

Actress and comedian Crissy Rock posted, “I can’t believe the lovely Dean Sullivan has passed away. We had such a happy time in panto, he was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed, X.” Les Dennis added, “So terribly sad to hear that lovely Dean Sullivan has died. I did a short stint on Brookside and he welcomed me with open arms. A lovely, funny, charming man. He’s left us far too soon. Thoughts with his friend and family.”

Dean as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside in August 2000. The series aired on Channel 4. The soap is currently streaming on the STV Player

Soap writer Jonathan Harvey observed, “I do love a soap icon, and they didn’t come more iconic than Jimmy Corkhill. What terribly sad news. Beloved actor Dean Sullivan has passed away. My thoughts are with his many friends and family xx” Performer Tricia Penrose shared her condolences on X, “I’m Heartbroken RIP my gorgeous friend Dean. I will miss you So Much xx”

Brookside co-star Louis Emerick said, “If you took a poll of fave Brooky characters, Jimmy wud top the list! A fine actor, collegue, friend.Goodnight Deano.” Michael Starke, another regular on the cul-de-sac soap, added, “RIP Old pal. I got to say goodbye one last time. Lovely memories and unforgettable adventures. To all of his many friends and family. From mine to yours.”

In a statement, Liverpool City Council said: “Very sad news to hear that the actor Dean Sullivan has passed away. He was one of TV’s iconic soap stars of the ’80s &’90s as Brookside’s Jimmy Corkhill. A passionate scouser and champion of our cultural scene, he’ll be greatly missed. Our sympathies to his family & friends.“