Sharing the heartbreaking news, she confirmed: “I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April. We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive. We are absolutely heart broken. John wanted to aid medical research and donated his body, so there will not be a funeral. Later, we will arrange a celebration of his wonderful life.”
Coronation Street star John Saint Ryan has died at the age of 72 (Image: ITV)
John Saint Ryan (left) starred alongside Heath Ledgerin the FOX series ROAD (Image: No credit)
She concluded her tribute by saying: “We are all fortunate to have known and loved this special ‘Gentleman’ as he has been described to me numerous times over the last couple of days”.
It didn’t take long before fans flooded to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their sympathies online. One user penned: “Remembering the special gentleman, John Saint Ryan. A beloved Coronation Street star who touched many hearts. Rest in peace.”
Another agreed: “Remembering John Saint Ryan: Coronation Street’s cherished actor & renowned horse trainer, who passed away at 72. A true Gentleman missed by many.” A third echoed: “Paying tribute to star John Saint Ryan, who has sadly passed at 72. Remembering his remarkable career and legacy.”
Born in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1953, John initially pursued a career as a martial arts instructor in his hometown before his talents led him to acting. His first role on the silver screen was as a stunt double for James Bond icon Sean Connery in the film The Medicine Man.
He officially debuted as an actor in Channel 4’s G.B.H in 1983, reports Devon Live. John appeared in various film and television roles throughout his career. He is remembered for playing Charlie Whelan in the iconic British soap Coronation Street between 1993 and 1994, and he also appeared in Emmerdale, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, General Hospital, Murder, She Wrote, and Cybill.
On the big screen, he took on the role of the villainous Cyborg in American Cyborg: Steel Warrior (1993) and portrayed Myles Standish in Disney’s historical adventure Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale (1994). Aside from his acting career, John was passionate about equestrianism. After relocating to California in the early ’90s, he founded the Red Rose Ranch near Inyokern.
There, he dedicated himself to training horses and riders in dressage and western riding, with a particular focus on the Spanish doma vaquera tradition. His prowess in the field led him to win numerous national and international accolades, and he shared his knowledge through books and instructional videos.
