Remembering Dean Sullivan: A Brookside Icon's Farewell

The vibrant world of television lost a gem with the passing of Dean Sullivan, known to many as Jimmy Corkhill from the iconic Brookside soap opera. On Tuesday, December 19, friends, colleagues, and fans gathered to bid a final farewell to the beloved actor in a touching funeral service at Our Lady & St Nicholas, The Parish Church of Liverpool.

A Fond Farewell

Table of Contents

1. Brookside’s Legacy Lives On

Dean Sullivan, who played the central character Jimmy Corkhill, left an indelible mark on Brookside, a groundbreaking Channel Four soap that graced our screens from 1982 to 2003. The unique concept of real houses in a West Derby cul-de-sac set the stage for a show that propelled many actors to stardom.

2. Star-Studded Sendoff

The funeral was a star-studded event, with Brookside cast members, including Sue Johnston and Michael Starke, joining others to pay their respects. The presence of Paul Burrell, former butler to Princess Diana, highlighted the diverse connections Sullivan had beyond the screen.

In Memoriam

3. A Schnauzer’s Loyalty

Sullivan’s loyal companion, a Schnauzer named Billy, attended the funeral, a heartwarming testament to the bond between man and his four-legged friend.

4. A Musical Tribute

The Sing Me Merseyside choir added a poignant touch to the ceremony with renditions of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colours” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” The emotional crescendo came with the choir’s rendition of Liverpool anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as Sullivan’s coffin left the church.

5. Remembering the Icon

Suzanne Collins, who played Nikki Shadwick in Brookside, shared fond memories of Sullivan, describing him as the “king of the Close” and an iconic figure who ruled the Brookside world.

Sullivan’s Impact Beyond the Screen

6. A Champion on and off the Screen

Dean Sullivan was not just an actor but a champion off-screen as well. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, he faced his health battle with resilience and courage, becoming an inspiration to many.

7. Brookside’s Last Face

As Brookside bid farewell in 2003, it was fitting that Jimmy Corkhill’s face filled the screen one last time. Sullivan’s 17-year stint in the show solidified his status as a beloved figure in the hearts of viewers.

Legacy and Reflection

8. A Reflection on Brookside’s Impact

Brookside, conceived by Sir Phil Redmond, launched in 1982 and left an enduring legacy by catapulting numerous actors to fame. Dean Sullivan’s role as Jimmy Corkhill became synonymous with the show’s success.

9. A Life Well-Lived

Despite the show concluding in 2003, Sullivan’s impact endured. His two-time British Soap Awards win and roles in other TV dramas, including BBC’s Doctors and ITV’s The Royal, showcased his versatility.

10. Dean Sullivan’s Love for New Brighton

In a heartfelt interview earlier this year, Sullivan expressed his deep affection for New Brighton, where he had resided for almost 30 years. Witnessing the area’s revitalization brought him immense joy, and he lauded the emergence of vibrant establishments, turning it into a cultural hub.

Conclusion

Dean Sullivan’s funeral was not just a goodbye but a celebration of a life well-lived. As we bid farewell to this Brookside legend, we remember a man whose impact extended beyond the screen, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless fans who cherished the world of Brookside.

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