Stephanie Cole, 'Coronation Street' Icon, Dies at 84
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- Aktris Stephanie Cole, yang dikenal sebagai Sylvia Goodwin di Coronation Street, tutup usia pada Jumat pagi setelah lama berjuang melawan Alzheimer.
- Karier Cole membentang lebih dari enam dekade, mencakup peran ikonik di Tenko, Waiting for God, Doc Martin, dan Open All Hours, serta penghargaan BAFTA dan OBE.
- Kepergiannya menyisakan warisan advokasi kesehatan mental dan diskusi tentang perawatan lansia di industri hiburan.
The British entertainment industry is in mourning. Stephanie Cole, the actress widely known as Sylvia Goodwin in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, passed away on Friday morning (September 18, 2026) at the age of 84. Her agent, John Grant, confirmed that Cole had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for a long time.
Cole was more than just a familiar face on screen. Over more than 60 years, she built a solid career in theatre and television, portraying strong, often scene-stealing elderly characters. Her role as Dr Beatrice "Bea" Mason in the 1980s BBC drama Tenko propelled her to fame, followed by her portrayal of Mrs Delphine Featherstone, also known as "Black Widow," in the sitcom Open All Hours and its sequel, Still Open All Hours.
Her comedic career peaked in 1992 when she won a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actress for her role as Diana Trent, a sharp-tongued retiree, in the sitcom Waiting for God. Younger generations knew her as Joan Norton, Dr. Martin Ellingham's aunt in the ITV comedy-drama Doc Martin, and as Sylvia Goodwin, Roy Cropper's mother in Coronation Street (2011–2013).
Cole's passing triggered a wave of tributes from colleagues and fans. On social media platform X, a fan wrote, "RIP Stephanie Cole, a wonderful actress in classics like Coronation Street and Doc Martin." On Facebook, a supporter called her "a huge loss to the acting industry. A great lady."
Beyond her acting career, Cole was known as a mental health advocate. She served as an ambassador for the Overseas Plastic Surgery Appeal charity and vocally supported various mental health organizations. In 2005, she received an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to drama, services to older people, and mental health charities. In 2006, she was named Solihull's most favourite resident, surpassing figures such as Lucy Davis, Richard Hammond, and Martin Johnson.
"Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career encompassed many iconic performances in theatre and television. She brought joy to millions through beloved roles in sitcoms and dramas," read an official statement from her agent.
For the Indonesian public, Stephanie Cole might not be as popular as Hollywood stars, but her legacy touches upon a universal issue: how society treats older people, both on screen and in real life. Her roles often challenged age stereotypes, portraying older individuals as intelligent, independent, and sometimes stubborn. At a time when Indonesia's population is rapidly aging—BPS projects approximately 20% of the population will be over 60 by 2045—the positive representation of older people in media becomes increasingly relevant.
Furthermore, Cole's battle with Alzheimer's highlights mental and neurological health challenges that are often overlooked. In Indonesia, awareness of dementia remains low; Ministry of Health data indicates that only a small fraction of sufferers are diagnosed. Cole's story can serve as a reminder of the importance of support for patients and their families.
The British entertainment industry has lost one of its most formidable character actresses. However, the question remains: will the next generation continue the advocacy for mental health and the representation of older people that she championed? Only time will tell, but Stephanie Cole's legacy has set a clear example.
