Last night, Betty Williams told Jack that she'd soon be celebrating her 90th birthday. According to our records, Betty will be 90 on Thursday February 4th, though Betty Driver won't hit that landmark until a few months later. That's quite some feat to be still working at that age, even if work these days consists more of sitting down polishing glasses while handing out pearls of wisdom than pulling pints and dishing out unsolicited advice. I'm sure there'll be fitting tributes to this occasion both here and on the program on the day. She'll still have to go some to catch Buster Martin though who is still working at the age of 101.
Isn't it marvellous! She seems in almost rude health (knock on wood). Rita and Emily must be getting up there pretty close too. (looking it up, Emily just turned 80 and Rita is 78 in Feb.) Each actress' birthday is listed as a few years younger than their characters. Bill Roache's birth year is listed as 1932! Wow! i knew he was older than Ken but he's closing in on 80 quickly as well.
ReplyDeleteI say hurray for older actors who can still command attention to their craft. As long as they've got half-decent material to work with -- these actors are delightful to watch!
ReplyDeleteShe did mention to Jack that she'd be 90 in a few weeks, so the writers at least remember. Am I correct in stating that Betty is the oldest cast member in Corrie ever, surpassing Jack Howarth (who died 88), Doris Speed (who left at 84), Jill Summers (who left at 86), Violet Carson (who left at 82) and Bill Waddington (who left at 81)?
ReplyDeleteShe looks amazing for her age (good head of hair on her).
ReplyDeleteYes, she's the oldest serving cast member in the programme's history having beaten the record previously held by Jack Howarth (Albert Tatlock). However, Doris Speed who left in 1983 (at age 84) went on to live to the ripe old age of 95 so quite a few years to go yet before Betty can claim the mantle of Corrie's oldest ever actor.