name	Pat Phoenix
footnotes	She was later known as Patricia Pilkington, which was her stepfather's surname
birth date	November 26, 1923
birth place	Ireland
death date
death place	Stockport, Greater Manchester, England
occupation	Actress
yearsactive	1948–86
spouse	Peter Marsh(m. 1951–1952, divorced)Alan Browning(m. 1972–1979, his death)Antony Booth(m. 1986, her death) }}

Patricia "Pat" Frederica Phoenix (born on 26 November 1923 – 17 September 1986) was an English actress who became one of the first sex symbols of British television through her role of Elsie Tanner in ''Coronation Street''. In her later life she was referred to as Patricia Pilkington, which was her stepfather's surname.

Early life and career

Born in Ireland to Anna Maria Josephine Noonan and Tom Manfield, but moved to Manchester before she reached 6 months old. Her mother later left Manfield when she found out that her marriage was a sham. Tom Manfield was a bigamist. She later married Richard Pilkington. Phoenix attended Fallowfield Central School, Manchester. As a child she nursed early theatrical ambitions, appearing regularly on the radio in ''Children's Hour'' at the age of 11, after having submitted a monologue. After leaving school, she worked as a filing clerk for the gas department of Manchester Corporation, performing in amateur dramatics in her spare time. She joined the Arts Theatre, Manchester, and other Northern repertory companies.

Her break came in 1948, playing Sandy Powell's wife in the Mancunian Film Studios' film ''Cup-tie Honeymoon'', followed by a summer season in Blackpool with Thora Hird in the show ''Happy Days''. Exposure led to more serious work with Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop, at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East. She also worked as a writer for ventriloquist Terry Hall and comedian Harry Worth. Though some undistinguished film work followed in 1958 (''Blood of the Vampire'' and ''Jack the Ripper''), in 1960 she returned to Manchester with her ambition all but spent.

''Coronation Street''

Her fortunes improved when she was given her best known role as Elsie Tanner, the devil-may-care divorcée who lived at No 11 ''Coronation Street''. By this time she had changed her name from Pilkington to Phoenix, after the mythological bird that rose from the ashes. Phoenix featured in the programme from 1960 to 1973 and again from 1976 to 1984. Her character became known for her fiery red hair, and was described by Prime Minister James Callaghan as "the sexiest thing on television". During her periods of absence from the series she failed in her attempts to find suitable alternative roles. She left the series for the final time in January 1984. In the story her character moved to Portugal to meet up with an old flame.

Other television and film roles

Her popularity gained her a part in the 1963 British film ''The L-Shaped Room'', in which she played the part of a prostitute, starring alongside actress Leslie Caron.

After her final departure from ''Coronation Street'' she appeared in a one-act television play, ''Hidden Talents'' in 1986. At this time, she was suffering from advanced lung cancer and in the play she played a woman dying of cancer.

She also starred in short-lived sitcom ''Constant Hot Water'' the same year, playing a Bridlington landlady.

The Smiths' record cover

In 1985 she was interviewed for a magazine by long-time fan, the singer Morrissey, who also featured her on the cover of one of the Smiths' singles, "Shakespeare's Sister".

Personal life

Her parents' marriage was not legal as her father (Tom Manfield) was a bigamist, her mother later remarried (Richard Pilkington). Pat took her step-father's surname. Her love life was fodder for tabloid stories. Her first marriage was to Peter Marsh, an actor. They married in Bradford Cathedral; the marriage lasted only a year. In 1972, she married her ''Coronation Street'' co-star Alan Browning, who had alcohol related problems and died from liver failure in 1979.

Later she married actor Antony Booth. Through this final marriage, Phoenix became mother-in-law to the then unknown back bencher Tony Blair who eleven years after her death became British Prime Minister. Pat campaigned for Blair in the 1983 General Election helping him win his first seat in a landslide majority. She also campaigned for Cherie Blair who came second in the safe Conservative seat Tatton. She was a lifelong supporter of the Labour Party and a practising Roman Catholic.

She also owned the Navigation Inn, a pub in the village of Buxworth, in the Peak District.

Death

A 60-a-day smoker, Phoenix was found to have lung cancer in March 1986 after collapsing at home. Following her diagnosis she continued to work, hiding her illness from most people, including long term partner Antony Booth. In the summer of 1986 her condition deteriorated, forcing her to undergo more extensive treatment and confirming mild speculation in the press that she had health problems. It later leaked out that she had just weeks to live and had been given the Last Rites. On her deathbed she married Booth in Stockport, on 10 September 1986, attracting wide-scale media attention. Eight days later she died in her sleep, aged 62.

At her request, her funeral service at the Holy Name Church in Manchester featured a large brass band; according to ''Coronation Street'' histories written by show historian Daran Little, she wished the event that marked her death to be as lively as her life. Tony Blair and Phoenix's stepdaughter Cherie Blair were among the mourners.

Since her death, Phoenix has been portrayed by Denise Black, Sue Johnston and Jessie Wallace in various dramas depicting her life.

Autobiography

She wrote two volumes of autobiography: ''All My Burning Bridges'' (1974) and ''Love, Curiosity, Freckles and Doubt'' (1983).

References

External links

Photo of Pat Phoenix with details of Mancunian Film stars

Category:1923 births Category:1986 deaths Category:People from Manchester Category:Actors from Manchester Category:Cancer deaths in England Category:Deaths from lung cancer Category:English people of Irish descent Category:English film actors Category:English soap opera actors Category:English television actors Category:English Roman Catholics

es:Pat Phoenix fr:Patricia Phoenix sv:Patricia Phoenix

name	Paul Cronin
birth date	July 08, 1938
birth place	Jamestown Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, South Australia
spouse	Helen
website	}}

:''For the American politician, see Paul W. Cronin.''

Paul Cronin (born 8 July 1938) is an Australian actor who has played iconic roles in the Australian television series ''Matlock Police'' and ''The Sullivans''.

Personal life

Born the son of a farmer in South Australia, after leaving school Cronin become a farmer himself and learned to shear sheep. He later married his wife Helen, who bore him four daughters including twins and two other daughters.

After giving up farming in South Australia, Cronin eventually found his way to Melbourne where he worked at an engineering company. It was at this time that he became a bit actor on various Crawford Productions including ''Division 4'' and ''Homicide''.

Professional career

After numerous bit parts, Cronin went on to appear as motorcycle policeman Gary Hogan in the Crawford Productions drama ''Matlock Police'' (1971–1975). After that series ended he continued the role in the spin-off ''Solo One'' (1976), a series continuing Hogan's motorcycle police officer exploits. The spin-off, which ran for just one 13-episode season, was aimed at children, so it eschewed the violence and serious crime of ''Matlock Police''.

He followed this role with the central role of Dave Sullivan in the popular soap opera ''The Sullivans''. The role as Dave Sullivan won him five Silver Logies. Cronin was crowned 1980 ''King of Moomba''.

In 1998 Cronin replaced Channel Nine Voice Over Man Pete Smith as the replacement co-host on radio 3AW's ''Nightline'' and ''Remember When'' programs. He remained in that position filling in when either of the shows regular hosts Bruce Mansfield or Philip Brady were away. Cronin formally co-hosted ''Nightline'' on Fridays during the Non Football season. On 16 October 2008, he signed off at midnight as fill in host and Friday host (Non Football season) of 3AW's ''Nightline'' and ''Remember When'', comedian Marty Fields replaced him.

In 2005, the retirement investment company that he and Dawn Fraser had been advertising on television for some years, collapsed and the directors fled, owing their investors millions of dollars. He and Fraser made a public apology for their unwitting contribution to the financial plight of many people.

He is the host of lifestyle program ''Discover Down Under'' that explores the caravan and camping industry in Australia. It was first aired on the Network Ten, then the Nine Network.

Other Activities

In 1986 Cronin led a consortium with Christopher Skase and was awarded the license to the Brisbane Bears in the then-Victorian Football League. He was president of the club from 1987-1989.

Paul is a member of the Patrons Council of the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria.

References

Category:1938 births Category:Living people Category:Australian television actors

series	Coronation Street
name	Ena Sharples
portrayer	Violet Carson
first	9 December 1960Episode 1
last	2 April 1980Episode 1983
years	1960–80
born	14 November 1899
death	Prior to 1989
husband	Alfred Sharples
daughters	Vera LomaxMadge Sharples
sons	Ian Sharples
sisters	Alice Raynould
brothers	Tom Schofield
grandsons	Colin LomaxJason Lomax (great)
nephews	Tom Schofield
occupation	Mission caretaker
creator	Tony Warren
introducer	Stuart Latham (1960)Susi Hush (1975)Bill Podmore (1978)
classification	Former; regular
books	''Coronation Street:The Complete Saga''''Coronation Street:The War Years'' }}

Ena Sharples (née Schofield) is one of the original characters from the British soap opera ''Coronation Street'', and was played by Violet Carson.

Development

Ena (Violet Carson), who appeared in the series for 20 years between 1960 and 1980, was the caretaker of the mission hall, and spent much of her time criticising the activities of the street's other inhabitants. She was one of the main characters during the 1960s, she was featured less regularly in the 1970s due to the declining health of actress Violet Carson, and was written out in 1980. Almost always wearing a double-breasted coat and hairnet, she spent much of her free time in the series' early years with her two cronies, Martha Longhurst and Minnie Caldwell, in the snug bar of the Rovers Return Inn, drinking milk stout.

When the final episode featuring Ena was screened on 2 April 1980, it attracted little media or public attention as the producers intended her to continue in the series - the character was merely leaving her house in the street and moving to care for an ill friend, Henry Foster. Unfortunately, all subsequent storylines involving Ena had to be scrapped owing to Carson's ill health.

Violet Carson died on Boxing Day 1983 at the age of 85.

Storylines

Backstory

Ena Schofield was born in Weatherfield on 14 November 1899. She had a brother and a sister, Alice Schofield (1885-1965) and Tom Schofield (d. 1973). During her school days Ena met Martha Hartley and Minnie Carlton, establishing lifelong friendships. An attentive student with a strong Christian upbringing, Ena became devoted to her religion and developed a firm belief in the importance of rules and morals. She also quickly learned to be self-sufficient, taking on factory work when she was only 11.

1960-1970

In 1960, Ena battled the Mission's new lay preacher Leonard Swindley, who objected to her frequenting the Rovers. Ena collapsed due to the stress, but walked out of the hospital to return to her post so that Martha, who had taken on her responsibilities while she recovered, could not steal her job. In 1961 Ena was sacked for spreading a rumour that Coronation Street was being demolished, when it turned out to be untrue, but Swindley was forced to re-hire her when a suitable replacement could not be found (Ena had bribed the other candidates to turn the job down). Still unhappy with the working conditions, however, Ena walked out of the job later in the year and moved in with Minnie, with Albert Tatlock briefly taking on the caretaker position. She was eventually offered her job back.

Ena had a health scare in 1962 when she suffered a minor stroke, brought on by hypostatic pneumonia. She quickly regained her speech and mobility but the following year was diagnosed with arterioschlerosis. Despite her willingness to gossip, Ena was very guarded about her private life and resented Martha for discussing her health problems with Ena's daughter, Vera Lomax.

Later that year, Ena's great nephew Tom Schofield visited her and invited her to her brother's home in the USA for an extended stay. Ena jumped at the chance to go abroad for the first time and meet the family she never knew she had. Upon her return, Ena was horrified to see the Mission converted into a Community Centre, with social worker Ruth Winter employed there full-time. She quit upon hearing the news and moved in with Minnie at No.5. Despite being out of work, Ena was soon caught up with other problems as Vera came to stay having separated from her husband Bob Lomax. Vera had debts to pay but not the money to pay them, so Ena gave her the money, even though it was all her savings. A disoriented Ena was later caught accidentally stealing from a supermarket. In court, Ena pleaded not guilty, but refused to give her age when questioned, saying only that she was over 21. She was fined 40 shillings. To offset her money problems, Ena took on the job of live-in housekeeper at No.9 for Len Fairclough, although when the Community Centre at the Mission closed down, Ena moved back into the vestry.

Vera came to stay again later in 1966, claiming to be ill. Ena did not believe her until she spoke to Vera's doctor, who said that Vera had a brain tumour and had a month to live, but Vera had not yet been told her condition was terminal. Ena watched her daughter wind down over several weeks until she died in Ena's bed in January 1967.

The Mission was closed for good a year later, when it was demolished along with the factory to make way for a block of two-storey maisonettes. Ena was offered a place at an old folk's home but unsurprisingly she declined, choosing to lodge with old friend Henry Foster at St. Anne's after briefly living with Minnie, although when the maisonettes were built Ena moved into No.6, a purpose-built OAP ground floor flat. Ena was pleased as it occupied the exact spot where the vestry had been.

In 1969, Ena got bored with the maisonette and moved into a flat above Ernest Bishop's camera shop. With Glad Tidings gone, the closest place of worship was the Victoria Street Mission, and Ena kept close tabs on the comings and goings there. She was delighted in 1970 to meet young Tony Parsons, who shared her passion for the harmonium. Recognising his talent, Ena made him her protégé and gave him lessons, while seeing about getting him a scholarship.

1971-1980

When the maisonettes were demolished in 1971, one of the buildings which replaced them was a community centre. Despite her age, Ena was determined to secure the position of caretaker, and scared off her competitor Hetty Thorpe by warning her about the violence in the area. With no one else to take the job, Ena was selected as caretaker, and she moved into a flat adjacent to the Centre. Ena's age and ability to do the work was a constant concern to the Council. A co-caretaker, Albert Tatlock, was foisted on her, though she insisted on being called Senior Caretaker. In 1973, Ena suffered two heart attacks, but refused to move away as she wanted to die in the street. When she disappeared with the Centre keys at Christmas, preventing the children from getting any presents, Ena assumed she'd be sacked and left to stay with Henry Foster at St. Anne's, although she was allowed to keep her job.

Later in the 1970s, Ena flitted between Weatherfield and St. Anne's. Her friends gradually left her life - Martha had died in 1964, and Minnie left in 1976 to live at Whaley Bridge with their old friend Handel Gartside. In 1977, Councillor Tattersall tried to sack Ena so that his niece could take her job, but Alf Roberts fought on Ena's behalf. The Lomaxs offered to house Ena but she refused. In 1980, Ena dumped herself on Elsie, and later Albert, while the flat was being re-decorated. Grumbling about the situation, she left to stay at St. Anne's. On this occasion, she never returned to Coronation Street.

In a 1989 episode, when commenting on recent events, Deirdre Barlow stated that Ena was "probably turning in her grave" thus confirming that she had died.

Reception

In a book written about ''Women and soap opera'', Ena was described as "brusque and uncompromising, refusing to adjust to the changing times." Ena has also been described as "a ''Coronation Street'' prototype, a strong, bossy woman."

Actor Michael Melia has claimed in an interview that he thought the character of Ena was "the most forbidding face on the street. A harridan in a hair-net with a surly expression that could stop a grown-man in his tracks."

References

Sharples, Ena