Anna Cropper (born 13th May 1938 in Brierfield, Lancashire; died 22nd January 2007 in Tangmere, West Sussex) appeared on Coronation Street in October 1962 as the disturbed Joan Akers, who kidnapped baby Christopher Hewitt.
She trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, first acted in repertory theatre in Nottingham. and had a prolific career on television, in BBC radio plays and on the West End stage.
Prior to her Coronation Street role, she appeared in Probation Officer, Harpers West One, Family Solicitor and Emergency-Ward 10. Later roles include The Odd Man, The Mind of the Enemy, Angel Pavement, Z Cars, Softly Softly: Task Force, Couples, Emmerdale Farm, Crown Court, Nanny, The Jewel in the Crown and The Ruth Rendell Mysteries.
Stage credits include productions of How's the World Treating You?, The Friends, The Exorcism and Mary Rose.
Married to actor William Roache from 1961 to 1974, the couple had two children - future Coronation Street actor Linus Roache and a daughter, Vanya.
