Frank Pemberton facts for kids

Frank Pemberton (born September 14, 1914 – died March 26, 1971) was an English actor. He worked on both stage and television. He became very well known for playing Frank Barlow in the popular TV show Coronation Street. He was one of the original actors when the show started.

About Frank Pemberton's Life

Frank Pemberton was born in Stretford, England, in September 1914. He first studied engineering at the Birmingham Technical College. After that, he worked for his father's business as a sales representative.

Starting His Acting Career

Frank loved acting as a hobby in his hometown of Marston Green. This hobby, called "amateur dramatics," led him to join a professional theatre group. He performed for a season with the Southampton Repertory Company.

When World War II began, Frank was assigned to an engineering job. But he still found time to act. He teamed up with Mervyn R Pinfield and others. They put on plays for soldiers. Later, he joined the Royal Navy. Even there, he toured Scottish bases with a Navy theatre company.

Becoming a Professional Actor

After the war, Frank decided to become a full-time actor. In 1946, he started his own acting group. It was called "The Star Players." He worked with Ernest Pickering and Mervyn R Pinfield.

They performed in Birkenhead and then Falkirk. Later, they moved to The Little Theatre in Great Yarmouth. By 1948, Frank joined the Morecambe Repertory Theatre. He also toured with other acting groups.

Frank Pemberton on Television

By April 1957, Frank Pemberton was acting on TV for both the BBC and ITV. By 1960, he had appeared in over 100 TV shows. This led to his biggest role in Coronation Street. He played Frank Barlow, a main character.

After leaving Coronation Street in May 1964, he continued acting. He joined other former cast members in a play called “Firm Foundations.” This play was performed at the Royal Court in Liverpool.

Frank Pemberton's Health and Passing

Frank Pemberton had a stroke on February 24, 1965. He recovered from it, but it made his acting career harder. He sadly passed away at age 56. He had another stroke on March 26, 1971, in Copthorne, West Sussex. This was about six weeks after his last appearance as Frank Barlow on Coronation Street.

Selected TV Shows and Movies

Frank Pemberton appeared in many TV shows and movies. Here are some of them:

His Main Acting Role

Frank Pemberton's most famous role was in the TV show Coronation Street.