Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The greatest Corrie rogue of them all
Johnny Briggs, the one and only Mike Baldwin, dies at 85
HE was the magnetic ladies’ man whose bad boy antics gripped soap fans for 30 years.
Despite his ducking and diving and clocking up a total of 25 girlfriends and four wives - Coronation Street viewers always rooted for underwear factory boss Mike Baldwin.
His hypnotic charm was thanks to Johnny Briggs, the actor who helped make Baldwin one of the most iconic characters ever to grace the Cobbles.
Yesterday his family revealed the star had died at 85 after a long illness.
He made his debut on the show in 1976 and stayed until 2006.
His character was best known for his long-running feud with archenemy Ken Barlow. His most gripping storyline was the love triangle with Deirdre Barlow.
More than 20 million viewers watched the 1983 episode in which Ken and Deirdre were reconciled.
It was such a talking point the scoreboard at Old Trafford – where Manchester United were playing against Arsenal – informed the 56,000 fans: “Deirdre and Ken united again!”
John Whiston, head of ITV in the north, said: “For years Johnny was right at the centre of the show, playing the part of Mike Baldwin and bringing huge energy, dynamism, professionalism and credibility.
“When Mike was in a scene it was very hard to look at anyone else.
“And it was that charisma which made him irresistible to the women of Coronation Street, and to viewers. He truly was one of the most iconic characters the Street has known.”
Bill Roache, who plays Ken, added: “As an actor, Johnny was impeccable, always good, and I was so fortunate to have worked with him for so many years,.
“He was a strong character who will be greatly missed.”
Born in 1935 in Battersea, London, Johnny was the son of carpenter Ernest and mum Rose. In 1947, aged 12, he won a scholarship to the Italia Conti Stage Academy.
That year he made his first professional appearance as a boy soprano with London’s Italian Opera Company. He did his National Service in Germany with the Royal Tank Regiment.
But by 1960 he had become a TV and stage regular, with parts in The Avengers, and Dangerman. He also appeared, as a lorry driver in Corrie and as a taxi boss in Crossroads.
Briggs subsequently appeared in scores of films, alongside Norman Wisdom, Dirk Bogarde, Tommy Steele, Benny Hill and Dick Emery before rejoining the Cobbles cast to play lothario Mike.
Mike’s death, of a heart attack and having suffered from a form of Alzheimer’s, was watched by 12 million. It was described as an
“historic moment in the Street’s history”. The underwear factory boss died in the arms of nemesis Barlow.
After leaving the Cobbles, he was given an MBE in the 2006 New Year Honours list.
Johnny later made appearances in Miss Marple and Holby City as well as in panto.
His role as Mike caught the public’s imagination, often too much. Writing in his autobiography about Baldwin sacking his cleaner Hilda Ogden, he said: “I was shopping in
Johnny was impeccable, I was lucky to work with him for so many years BILL ROACHE STREET STALWART KEN BARLOW
Sainsbury’s one day when a woman hit me with an umbrella, screaming, ‘You’re a mean pig. Give her back her job!’. I was laughing my head off, thinking, ‘Right – my character is really getting across’. But in the end I had to do a runner to the car park as this woman kept chasing me, wielding her brolly and obviously determined to do me some real mischief.
“The shop was in uproar with customers standing open-mouthed witnessing nasty Mike Baldwin getting his come-uppance and a taste of his own medicine. ”
An avid golfer, he owned a second home in Florida since 1992, flying out for the winter to enjoy the sun and play golf with his friends. Neighbours of Briggs at his Hudson home – 45 miles north of Tampa – knew of his illness last March.
When in the area he would often drink at British Pub & Eatery when it was owned by former BBC radio host and fellow Londoner, Alan Gold.
Briggs was often found on a barstool surrounded by pictures of the royal family. Gold had also put up a picture of the soap legend, who sat around other diners oblivious to who he was.
Next door to the star’s blue bungalow, old pal John Feminella said: “We’d not seen Johnny for some time. I’ve known him for decades. Always a great guy.
“I teased him about his accent he took it in good humour. No one here knew just how big of a star he was in the UK and I think he liked that.”
Coronation Street star Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, was among those paying tribute to Johnny yesterday.
“I am very sorry to hear the sad news,” she said in a statement.
“I have many happy memories of working together with Johnny.
“Mike Baldwin was one of the street’s most memorable characters.”
Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully in the soap, said: “We all adored him. Feel lucky that I got the chance to work with him in the factory.”
Sue Nicholls, Street stalwart Audrey Roberts, said Johnny was “a truly great actor”. She added: “He played the part of Mike Baldwin so well that, despite all Mike’s ducking and diving, you were always on his side. Although he left the show 15 years ago he will always be part of the Street and its history.”
Johnny’s family said in a statement. “He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side.”
Johnny was one of six of the longestserving cast members who gathered together to celebrate Coronation Street’s 50th anniversary in 2010.
He said: “The true strength of the Street is that there isn’t a star. The star of the show is the Rovers. People come and go and the show still carries on.”