The actor Johnny Briggs, famous for his portrayal of Mike Baldwin on Coronation Street, has passed away at 85.

Mr. Briggs played factory owner Mike Baldwin from 1976 to 2006 on Coronation Street, making him a household to many.

He was born September 5th 1935 in a suburb of London. During World War II he would be evacuated out of the capital during the Blitz.

He would appear in movies, including a couple of Carry On films, and in the theatre.

In 1976, Mr. Briggs landed the role of Mike Baldwin on Coronation Street, quickly become the rival of Ken Barlow, including trying to take Diedre Barlow away from him.

In 2005, citing the busy schedule, he announced his decision to retire from Coronation Street, dying of a heart attack in the arms of rival Ken Barlow, and episode watched by 12 million people in the United Kingdom alone.

Mr. Briggs was awarded an MBE in the 2007 New Year’s Honours.  He also received a Lifetime Achievement award at the British Soap Awards  in 2006 for he portrayal of Mike Baldwin.

Mr. Briggs was married twice and had six children.