Acclaimed actor Steve Halliwell, best known for his iconic portrayal of Zak Dingle in Emmerdale, has passed away at the age of 77.
Having made his debut on the ITV soap in October 1994, Halliwell gracefully concluded his remarkable 27-year journey with the show in 2021, leaving an enduring legacy.
In an official statement, his family announced his peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones. They celebrated his life, describing him as an “amazing father and grandfather” who continued to bring laughter and joy until the very end.
ITV drama executive John Whiston paid tribute to Halliwell as a “rare human being” whose warmth extended beyond the screen. He referred to the actor as not only the “undoubted father of the show” but also its playful and mischievous uncle.
Originally hailing from Lancashire, Halliwell initially worked in cotton and paper mills before embarking on a career in acting. His television journey from the 1970s to the 1990s included memorable appearances in series such as Here I Stand, Heartbeat, and Coronation Street before making his mark on Emmerdale. As the patriarch of the Dingle household, he became the soap’s second-longest-serving cast member.
In 2018, Halliwell temporarily left the show to undergo a pacemaker fitting due to a serious heart condition.
The family expressed their gratitude to the staff at St. James’s Hospital in Leeds and Wheatfield Hospice for their unwavering “love and kindness” during his final days.
| ReplyForwardAdd reaction |
