Coronation Street star James Laurenson has left behind a staggering amount in his will after his death aged 84 last year. James shot to fame in the ITV soap as Reverend Peter Hope back in 1968, before landing a role in Netflix hit The Crown as Dr Sir John Weir, renowned Scottish physician.
Now the actor has reportedly left £214,280 behind in his will after an incredible 50 year career. The star is survived by his second wife Cari Haysom and his son Jamie from his first marriage to Carol MacReady, a fellow actress known for roles in Casualty, The Darling Buds of May and The Vicar of Dibley. James and Carol divorced in 1970. It is presumed James left his incredible fortune to his remaining family members, though this hasn’t yet been confirmed.
The Coronation Street star has left behind a fortune (Image: Getty)
Born in New Zealand, the details of James’ death were kept private at the time. In his career, he made gay history by sharing the first gay kiss with Sir Ian McKellen on-stage in 1970 in an adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II – three years after homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK.
Tributes poured in for the star when he died in May 2024, with one fan writing on X: “Very sad to hear that James Laurenson has died. He was a wonderful actor and I count myself lucky that I saw him at the RSC a few times. He seemed like a gentle soul. His way with words was exemplary, giving feeling and resonance to pretty much any script he worked with. RIP.”
