Kevin Kennedy "can only smile" when he thinks of the late Liz Dawn.
The former ‘Coronation Street’ actor – who played Curly Watts in the long-running soap from 1983 until 2003 – has paid tribute to the legendary actress following her tragic death on Monday (25.09.17) evening after a lengthy period of ill health.
Speaking via video call on ‘This Morning’ on Tuesday (26.09.17), he said: "I can only smile when I think of Liz, it’s very sad but what she’s left behind her is very valuable."
The 56-year-old star believes Liz – who was known for portraying Vera Duckworth in the programme – made a lot of people "happy" while she was on ‘Coronation Street’ because she was able to bring comedy and seriousness together in one scene.
He explained: "She made so many people happy. She was in everyone’s living room for years and years and years. And the party she gave was immense. That’s what we have to think about today – her wonderfulness as a very funny actress."
And, although she received so much praise over her acting ability, Kevin doesn’t think Liz really knew how good she was on screen and always doubted her talent.
He added: "She was a lot cleverer than people thought she was. And, in regards, to acting, she didn’t think she was very good. She was very humble in that respect.
"She took me under her wing and looked after me. I used to live very close to her and she was always inviting the younger cast round to her house and we used to go there and have a laugh. She was brilliant and made sure we were all OK. She was the one you could go to if you were having problems."
Following the sad news of Liz’s death, the bosses at ‘Coronation Street’ rushed to pay tribute to her and said that the whole cast and crew were "heartbroken".
The statement said: "It is with the greatest sadness that we have learned our beloved Liz Dawn has passed away last night.
"Her family at ‘Coronation Street’ are heartbroken. We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this very sad time to Liz’s devoted husband Don, her loving children Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie, their families and her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
"We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives, as she was such a kind, considerate and caring friend and colleague. As Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth for 34 years, Liz brought so much joy and happiness to so many. She was a wonderful actress who will forever be a true ‘Coronation Street’ legend."
Liz passed away at the age of 77 surrounded by her family, including husband Don Ibbotson and their three children.
Th actress had been housebound for several weeks prior to her passing, and been using a wheelchair. In June, she missed the wedding of her grandson, Thomas Borso, to Alice Coughlin in Italy after having surgery related to a heart condition.
In 2013 she had a pacemaker fitted after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Spain.
Liz first appeared on ‘Corrie’ in 1974 and her partnership with Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth was a huge hit with fans for years.
Although her character was killed off in 2000, dying peacefully in her sleep, she made a brief reappearance as a vision to Jack as he passed away in a moving scene which saw them share one last dance. Bill died in 2012.
Kevin Kennedy pays tribute to late Liz Dawn
