John Aubrey Conway Howarth (19 February 1896 – 31 March 1984) was an English actor primarily known to television audiences, though he also worked across stage, radio and film.

He was best known for his role in his later years as grumpy but likeable elderly pensioner and Great War veteran Albert Tatlock in the TV series Coronation Street. As an original cast member he appeared in the series from its inception in late 1960 until his death in 1984, aged 88. Producer Mervyn Watson stated that Howarth was at that time most likely the oldest working actor in England.

Early life John Aubrey Conway Howarth was born at 96 Mitchell Street, Rochdale, Lancashire (now Greater Manchester) on 19 February 1896, the son of comedian Bert Howarth and his wife Amelia Mary (née Townsend). He had two brothers, Sydney and Sam, and three sisters, Ella, Elsie and Mary Louisa. Howarth went to school with the singer and actress Gracie Fields. As a child, he sold theatre programmes at the Theatre Royal, Rochdale.

Career Theatre Howarth made his theatre debut in 1908 at the age of twelve playing juvenile roles on stage alongside his father. He joined the Lancashire Fusiliers in 1915 and served in France and Belgium in the First World War, after which he found work running a small cinema.Daily Mirror – 12 November 1980

Career Theatre Howarth's first theatre appearance was in Bram Stokers Dracula in 1924, in a company run by Hamilton Dean.

From 1935 he ran his own theatre company in Colwyn Bay, taking most of the male roles himself, due to the lack of men available to play the parts. He also toured the country in productions when he met his wife, Betty.

Television, radio and film In 1947 Howarth became one of the first television performers at Alexandra Palace. He recalled, "I once played Humpty Dumpty when the director decided I had to wear a costume like a big egg, with little arms and legs. It was very hot and uncomfortable and when I got to the Jabberwocky poem I dried up, but kept talking. When we did the repeat later, I dried up at exactly the same place."

Howarth also appeared in a number of films including The Man in the White Suit (1951) and Hobson's Choice (1954), and many television programmes. For 14 years Howarth appeared in the role of Mr Maggs in the radio serial Mrs Dale's Diary.

Howarth made his Coronation Street debut in the first episode on 9 December 1960 and appeared in over 1,700 episodes until his final appearance on 25 January 1984, which was recorded in December 1983.

He was listed in The Guinness Book of Records under the category "Most Durable Performers" for being an actor on stage and television for 76 years from 1908 until his last appearance as Albert Tatlock in 1984. Reflecting on his role as Albert, Howarth said he would never have joined the cast of Coronation Street had he known it would run so long. However, when he was awarded the MBE in 1983, he stated that he had no intention of leaving the series, and he remained with the show until his death aged 88. Producer Mervyn Watson stated he was most likely at that time the oldest working actor in England.

Personal life Howarth married Sarah E. "Betty" Murgatroyd at St Mary and St Peter Parish Church, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, on Thursday, 25 July 1929. The couple were married for almost 55 years until Howarth's death, and had a son, John Murgatroyd Howarth, in Rochdale, in 1930. It was reported that Howarth bought his wife so much jewellery that she had to keep it in the bank.

Howarth lived at Croylands, Overlea Avenue, Deganwy, North Wales, with his wife.The North Wales Weekly News Thu, 25 January 1962 ·Page 13 The couple had a flat in London and a suite at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, which he used while he was filming Coronation Street. His interests included travel and paintings along with cricket and circuses.The North Wales Weekly News Thu, 5 April 1984 ·Page 4

Death

Jack Howarth died in Llandudno General Hospital from kidney failure and pneumonia, with his wife and son at his bedside, on Saturday, 31 March 1984. He was cremated six days later at a private funeral in Colwyn Bay, conducted by the vicar of Llanrhos, the Reverend David Jenkins. The address was given by comedian Wyn Calvin, chairman of the Welsh Committee of the Variety Club of Great Britain. There was one hymn, "Abide with Me", and Calvin spoke on behalf of the Stars Organisation and the Grand Order of Water Rats. He left his wife £60,000 in his will.

Prior to his death, Howarth had a lengthy absence from filming Coronation Street, explained by a storyline of Albert visiting his daughter. There was press speculation in several newspapers that Howarth was due to leave Coronation Street and his contract would not be renewed in November 1984.Sunday Mirror Sun, 1 April 1984 ·Page 3 However, these were disputed by Granada, stating that he was due to return to filming at the end of April 1984. His wife was reported as saying just over a month before his death "Jack has no intention of resigning. He will be in Coronation Street for as long as Granada want him."

His death meant that William Roache, who played Albert Tatlock's nephew-in-law, Ken Barlow, was the only original actor left on Coronation Street at that time. The decision to kill off the Albert Tatlock character was made shortly after Howarth's death, and Albert's death was covered in the episode dated 14 May 1984.

A memorial service was held on 19 June 1984, at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden, attended by Leslie Crowther, Dickie Henderson, Geoff Love and David Jacobs.

Howarth's son died on 4 January 2016, aged 85.West Yorkshire, England; England and Wales Death Indexes England and Wales, Death Index, 1989–2024.

Filmography YearTitleRoleNotes1946 Jeannie Porter TV movie1947 Mine Own Executioner Party Guest Uncredited1948 The Men from the Ministry TV movie1949 Alice's Adventure's in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass Humpty Dumpty TV movie1949 Under the Counter Br Burrouughs TV movie1949 The Bear and the Barrier Pigeon Luka TV Short1949 When We Are Married Alderman Joseph Helliwell TV movie1949 The Cure for Love Hunter 1950 The Magnet Auction bidder Uncredited1950–1956 BBC Sunday Night Theatre Timothy "Tubby" Wadlow / Mr Bullamy / Cast member 'The Island of Cipango' / Harry Wall / Amos Entwhistle / Ted Munter / Joe Robinson / Sam Ramsdale 8 episodes1951 The Man in the White Suit Receptionist at Corland Mill 1951A Legend in China On the Plate: Second Servant TV movie1952 Francis and Juniper Merchant TV Short1952 Exercise Hush Ted, the postman TV movie1952 The Secret Garden Pedler Episode: "The Door in the Wall"1952 Scotland Yard Inspector Minor role Uncredited1952 The Pickwick Papers Stout Cricketer Episode: "The Second Paper"1953 The Great Game Minor role Uncredited1953 The Shadow Man Landlord Uncredited1953 Stand by to Shoot Tug Wilson Episode: "Falling Star"1953 The Persian Kitten Mr Clay TV movie1954 Hobson's Choice Tubby Wadlow 1954 What Every Woman Wants Pub Customer 1955 The Prince and the Pauper Constable Episode: "Hendon Hall"1955 Postmark for Danger Hotel Porter Uncredited1956 My Sister and I Grandfather 6 episodes1956 Vanity Fair Waiter at Vauchhall Gardens 1 episode1957 Nathanial Titlark Croom – Garage owner Episode: "O Woodman, Spare That Tree"1957 Final at Fernell Joe Trubshaw TV Short1957 The Mail Van Murder Scotland Yard (film series) Cleaner Short, Uncredited1957 Professor Tim Villager 1957–1958 Be Soon 3 episodes1958 Champion Road Mr Briggs 2 episodes1959 ITV Play of the Week Mr Fowle Episode: "The Younger Generation"1959 The Artful Dodger Episode: "Going, Going, Gone!"1959 The Man From Room 5143 Publican Episode: "The Man Who Made Keys: Part 1"1959 Glencannon Mr. Tooth Episode: "Pearl of Panama"1960 Probation Officer Mr Boyd 1 episode1960 Yorky Mr Sellby Episode: "What's in a Name?"1960 Emergency - Ward 10 Bertie Wallsaw 1 episode1960 BBC Sunday-Night Play Harry Episode: "Pay Day"1960 Knight Errand Limited Bootle Episode: "The Conspirators"1960 The Balloon and the Barron Mr Brown TV movie1961 Armchair Theatre Uncle Fred Episode: "Honeymoon Postponed"1969 All-Star Comedy Carnival Albert Tatlock TV movie1970 Spring and Port Wine 2nd bowler 1974 This Is Your Life (British TV series) Himself Broadcast in November

Permanent role YearTitleRoleNotes1960–1984 Coronation Street Albert Tatlock 1304 episodes, (final appearance)

Charity work and honours Howarth was the subject of This Is Your Life in November 1974 when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews on the set of Coronation Street. When Andrews said, "I'm taking you to London", Howarth replied "Oh no, you're not, you know." He was eventually persuaded to appear on the show, joined by the cast of Coronation Street, with tributes from stars including Bryan Mosley, Betty Driver, Eileen Derbyshire, Margot Bryant, Thora Hird and Arthur Lowe.

Howarth was made an MBE in January 1983 for his charity work, especially for supporting the disabled and children with general learning difficulties. He was national vice-president for Scope and left them £250 in his will. Howarth had raised more than £50,000 for the charity by collecting a donation each time he signed an autograph.

References

External links

Albert Tatlock