Coronation Street actress Lynne Verrall has passed away at 76 following a long illness, with her agent paying tribute to the beloved British soap and theatre star.
Coronation Street icon Lynne Verrall has died in Paris at the age of 76 following a long illness. The actress, who enjoyed a 50-year career on stage and screen, was best known for her role as Geraldine Spellman on the soap.
Her agent, Samantha Boyd, told industry magazine The Stage: “Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full.” Lynne’s career included performances at London’s Royal Court, the Royal & Derngate in Northampton, and numerous television roles.
She took on the part of Geraldine Spellman in 2017, playing the grandmother of Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby), and also appeared on the daytime drama Doctors. Lynne grew up in Shropshire before training at the Birmingham School of Acting.
She went on to take a number of prestigious stage roles, including Entertaining Mr Sloane, Dora, Equus, and A Doll’s House. She later appeared in Joe Penhall’s Pale Horse, directed by Ian Rickson at London’s Royal Court.
In 2012, Lynne moved to Paris, where she appeared as an elegant Englishwoman in several French short films. French director Cédric Klapisch cast her as Kelly Reilly’s mother in the comedy-drama Greek Salad.
It was in Paris that Lynne passed away on November 8, after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Her lifelong friend Dunderdale said: “She faced it with incredible courage. She was extraordinary. She stayed in Paris because she was happy there and created this wonderful persona of an eccentric, charming Englishwoman.”
Dunderdale added: “She was a fantastic actor but never received the recognition she truly deserved.”
In her memory, a French fundraising page has been set up to support the fight against motor neurone disease. It reads: “Our dear friend Lynne faced MND with her trademark wit and courage — and even in the toughest moments, she never lost her spark or her sense of humour.”
Lynne went on to perform in a number of prestigious stage productions, including Entertaining Mr Sloane, Dora, Equus, and A Doll’s House. She also appeared in Joe Penhall’s Pale Horse, directed by Ian Rickson at London’s Royal Court.
In 2012, she relocated to Paris, where she took on roles as an elegant Englishwoman in several French short films. French director Cédric Klapisch cast her as Kelly Reilly’s mother in the comedy-drama Greek Salad.
Lynne passed away in Paris on November 8, following a diagnosis of motor neurone disease. Her lifelong friend Dunderdale said: “She faced it with incredible courage. She was extraordinary. She chose to stay in Paris because she was happy there and created this wonderful persona of an eccentric, charming Englishwoman.”
Dunderdale added: “She was a brilliant actor but never got the recognition she truly deserved.”
A French fundraising page has been launched in her memory to support the fight against motor neurone disease. It states: “Our dear friend Lynne faced MND with her trademark wit and courage — and even in the toughest moments, she never lost her spark or her sense of humour.”
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