British television fans are mourning the loss of a familiar face after the family of veteran actor David Daker confirmed that he died at the age of 90. Best known for his roles in Boon and Coronation Street, Daker built a career that spanned decades and included some of the most popular British television dramas and comedies of the 20th century.
Family Confirms Coronation Street’s David Daker’s Death
David Daker died on April 30, his family has confirmed. The actor was best known for playing Harry Crawford, the close friend of Ken Boon, in the ITV comedy-drama Boon. He appeared in the series from 1986 to 1992 and became a fan favourite during its run.
His family has not revealed the cause of death. News of his passing has led many fans to remember his decades-long contribution to British television.
Daker was born in Bilston in the Black Country and was the youngest of five children. His love for acting started when he was very young. Speaking about one of his earliest performances, he once said: “I clearly remember playing a cow and falling so that its legs splayed about – and enjoying it when the others laughed and applauded.”
How His Acting Journey Began
Daker continued acting while at secondary school and played Long John Silver in a production of Treasure Island. Although he first trained as a draughtsman for a company that made water softeners, he decided that acting was the career he truly wanted.
After two years, he left that job and joined the Oxford Playhouse Theatre School. The decision helped launch a successful career in entertainment. He first built his reputation on stage, taking leading roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Salisbury Playhouse during the 1970s. His television career began when he won the role of PC Owen Culshaw in the BBC police drama Z Cars.
Over the years, Daker appeared in many popular television shows, including Only Fools and Horses, Porridge and Doctor Who. In Doctor Who, he played two different characters, first a robber baron and later a spacecraft commanding officer. He also appeared in BBC productions of Shakespeare’s King Henry VI and Richard III.
Many soap fans will remember Daker from Coronation Street, where he played two different characters. He first appeared as Basil Griffin between 1968 and 1969 before returning as Gordon Lewis from 1981 to 1985. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers and behind-the-scenes updates.