Michael McStay dead at 92: Coronation Street and Dr Who star dies from heart failure as family pays touching tribute
CORONATION Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay has sadly died aged 92.
A spokesperson for the British actor, who had a stellar career spanning over 60 years, confirmed the news yesterday.
The screen and stage legend died from heart failure on Sunday after spending time with his family.
His representative wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael McStay, an actor of the highest standing and talented writer, whose career across stage, screen and radio spanned over six decades.”
Michael’s last screen performance was in Coronation Street.
He portrayed the role of Alan Hoyle, taking over from John Woodvine in 2011.
Michael shot to fame in a series called No Hiding Place, and appeared in hit shows such as Doctor Who, Blunt, and Thatcher: The Final Days.
The actor has also been credited on many films including the classic Peter Yates’ Robbery.
Heartbroken fans have flooded social media with emotional tributes following the news.
“Sad to see that Michael McStay has passed away. Absolutely adored him in Corrie as Alan Hoyle in the John Stape storyline,” one wrote.
“Both him and the late Jean Fergusson were brilliant in the basement episode.”
Another shared: “Someone else I had the pleasure of meeting again yesterday was Michael McStay who at 91 was as sharp and witty to chat with as a man half his age.
“Known for playing Moberley in #DoctorWho The Seeds Of Doom (1976), he’s also starred in The Avengers & The Persuaders!”
Michael also wrote several plays for BBC Radio 4 and the popular 1984 ITV comedy Pull the Other One.
In early life, the actor studied a degree in Drama, French and Philosophy at Bristol University.
This would see him later travel to France and star in thirteen one-hour episodes of the French serial Le Mari de L’Ambassadeur.
He was also posted in Cyprus, while serving two years of National Service, during the Cyprus Emergency.
In 1967 Michael married fellow actress Jennifer Clulow.
Jennifer is recognised for her performances in The Avengers, Keeping Up Appearances, and No Hiding Place.
Despite being loved by many, Michael became more of a recluse in his later years.
In an interview on Toby Hadoke’s Happy Times and Places Podcast, he commented on the end of his career.
He was asked if he regretted not being offered the iconic role of James Bond.
The humble actor said he had no regrets and hailed his family, which he “he wouldn’t swap for all the success in the world”.
