Geoffrey Hinsliff, Coronation Street's Don Brennan, dies at 86

Geoffrey Hinsliff, the British actor best known for his portrayal of Don Brennan in Coronation Street, has passed away at the age of 86. Hinsliff's character was a central figure in numerous dramatic storylines on the long-running soap opera from 1987 to 1997.

Born in Leeds on November 23, 1937, Hinsliff's journey to stardom was unconventional. After leaving school at 15, he initially worked as a trainee window dresser. His passion for acting led him to join a local youth theatre group, marking the beginning of his theatrical career.

Following his National Service, Hinsliff secured a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), one of the UK's most prestigious drama schools. This formal training laid the foundation for his diverse acting career.

Hinsliff's television debut came with an appearance in Z-Cars, a groundbreaking British police drama. He went on to feature in numerous popular series, including Doctor Who, where he appeared in two stories in 1977 and 1979.

However, it was his role as Don Brennan in Coronation Street that cemented Hinsliff's place in British television history. Brennan, a taxi driver turned villain, was at the center of some of the show's most gripping plotlines. These included dramatic affairs, attempted suicides, and a vengeful vendetta against fellow character Mike Baldwin.

"I am going out in style. I really have to go. Don's too far down that road now. He's virtually a complete mental case and there's no going back."

Hinsliff's portrayal of Brennan's descent into madness culminated in a spectacular exit from the show in 1997, involving a kidnapping and a fiery car crash. This storyline was part of a ratings battle between Coronation Street and its rival, EastEnders, highlighting the intense competition in British television broadcasting.

Beyond Coronation Street, Hinsliff showcased his versatility in various roles. He played George Fairchild in Brass, a parody of gritty northern dramas, from 1983 to 1990. His stage career was equally impressive, with performances ranging from Chekhov's Uncle Vanya to pantomime roles like Widow Twankey in Aladdin.

Hinsliff's final television appearance was a guest role in the medical drama Holby City in 2010, demonstrating his enduring appeal as an actor.

In his personal life, Hinsliff married Judy Seel in 1967. The couple had two daughters, one of whom is the respected Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff.

Geoffrey Hinsliff's contribution to British television and theater spans over five decades. His portrayal of complex characters, particularly the troubled Don Brennan, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of British entertainment.