Jack Howarth

Jack Howarth MBE (19th February, 1896 - 31st March, 1984) was a British actor best known for his role as the grumpy but lovable pensioner Albert Tatlock in over 1700 episodes of Coronation Street. Born in Rochdale, Lancashire, he was the son of comedian Bert Howarth, and he attended school with Gracie Fields.

In 1908 Jack began playing theatre roles at the age of 12, and after World War I, in which he'd been a member of the Lancashire Fusiliers, he ran a small cinema. After touring the country's theatres he married Betty in Hull in July 1929. Jack made over a hundred television apperaances from 1947 till he started on the Street, in such programmes as BBC Sunday Night Theatre and ITV Play Of The Week.

Jack appeared in the very first episode of Coronation Street, and his final appearance was on 25th January, 1984. The previous year he had been awarded the Member of the British Empire. Jack Howarth died in Lladudno General Hospital on the evening of 31st March, 1984, aged 88, with his wife and son John at his bedside. He was cremated six days later at Colwyn Bay.