Remembering Philip Lowrie

Philip was part of the first episode of the world’s longest running television drama serial…

Today Coronation Street might be classed as a ‘soap opera’; although its format bares little in any similarities to the true American soap operas that have dominated stateside daytime screens for decades. When ‘The Street’ launched it was a twice-weekly drama serial, and part of that original cast – who were to bring quality in two episodes a week, rather than mass produced soap output of five episode a week – was Philip Lowrie as Dennis Tanner.

Dennis was seen in episode one, alongside his legendary mother Elise (Patricia Phoenix). In that inaugural episode of Corrie in 1960 the world of Weatherfield, the creation of Tony Warren, burst onto screen with a parade of long running and memorable characters – William Roache as Ken Barlow is the last regular from the launch.

Early days: Dennis with his mother Elsie / Granda TV

Len (Peter Adamson), Elsie (Patricia Phoenix) and Dennis (Philip Lowrie) – Christmas 1963 / Granada TV

His character was introduced as a teenage tearaway, recently released from prison for petty theft. Initially struggling to find his footing, Dennis took a job at the Orinoco Club, igniting his interest in show business. He attempted a singing career under the pseudonym “Ricky Dennis,” but after realizing his limitations, he transitioned to working as a talent scout. His ventures included managing acts like Walter Potts, though not always successfully.​

Dennis’s personal life was equally eventful. He had romantic entanglements with several women, including Sandra Petty and Inga Olsen. In 1968, he married Jenny Sutton, and the couple moved to Bristol for his new job as a salesman. Off-screen, it was later revealed that Dennis was arrested in 1973 for a double-glazing scam, leading to his imprisonment and the end of his marriage to Jenny.

He remained a regular on the show until 1968. 

Dennis was a menace, including winding up Rovers Landlady Annie Walker (Doris Speed) by putting a grey seal in her bathtub / Granada TV

Double trouble: Dennis (Philip Lowrie) and Jed Stone (Kenneth Cope) / Granada TV

Philip Lowrie was born Colin Philip Lowrie on the 20th of June 1936 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. Lowrie was the son of a paper mill foreman. As a child, he struggled with a stammer and took elocution lessons to overcome it. His mother saved enough money to enrol him at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he studied for three years. After graduating, he made his West End debut in Farewell, Farewell Eugene, performing alongside Margaret Rutherford and Peggy Mount.

After departing Coronation Street he performed in several major television productions including in BBC drama War and Peace (1972), Crown Court (1975), East Lynne (1976), The Cuckoo Waltz (1977) and The Liver Birds (1978) to name just a few.

Philip was also a regular on Victoria Wood’s comedy shows including All Day Breakfast where he appeared in a spoof of saga Eldorado called ‘The Mall’. In addition to his acting, Lowrie recorded a pop single titled “I Might Have Known” in 1963 at Abbey Road Studios, produced by John Barry.

Philip reprised the role of Dennis after 43 years / ITV

In 2011, after a 43-year hiatus, he returned to the role of Dennis Tanner, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest gap between television appearances as the same character in the same show.

Dennis returned ‘The Street’ in May 2011, where upon his return, he rekindled a friendship with Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox), which blossomed into romance. The pair married in 2012. However, their relationship faced challenges, and Dennis eventually left Rita for Gloria Price (Sue Johnston). His final appearance was in July 2014.

On stage Lowrie’s stage career was equally impressive. He played Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap (2004), Klever in The Case of the Frightened Lady (2018), and Eric in The Lady Vanishes (2019).

Philip’s death was announced today by his publicist Mario Renzullo. “My client and very dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away yesterday at 88,”

ITV Granada paid tribute in a statement from the Coronation Street team which notes:

“Everyone at Coronation Street is saddened to hear of the passing of Philip Lowrie.

“As an original member of the cast in 1960, Philip created an iconic character in Dennis Tanner, son of Elsie Tanner, played by Pat Phoenix. When Philip returned to Coronation Street in 2011 it was an honour and a privilege to work with him. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his loved ones.”