Liz Dawn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Liz Dawn MBE
Dawn as Vera Duckworth in 2007
Born	Sylvia Butterfield 8 November 1939 Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died	25 September 2017(2017-09-25) (aged 77) Whitefield, Greater Manchester, England
Nationality	British
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1972–2015
Known for	Role of Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street (1974, 1976–2008, 2010)
Spouse(s)	Walter Bradley (1957–1959) Donald Ibbetson (1965–2017; her death)
Children	4
Awards	British Soap Award for Best Onscreen Partnership (2001, Coronation Street, with Bill Tarmey) British Soap Award for Lifetime Achievement (2008, Coronation Street)

Sylvia Ann Ibbetson, known to many as Liz Dawn, was a famous English actress. She was born on 8 November 1939 and passed away on 25 September 2017. Liz was most loved for playing the character Vera Duckworth in the popular British TV show Coronation Street. She played Vera for a very long time, from 1974 until 2008, and even made a special return in 2010.

For her amazing work as Vera, Liz received a special Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. She was also given an award called an MBE in 2000. This award recognized her important charity work.

About Liz Dawn

Early Life and Acting

Liz Dawn was born in Leeds, England. Her birth name was Sylvia Butterfield. She grew up in an area called Halton Moor. Before she became an actress, Liz started her career as a singer in nightclubs.

In the late 1960s, Liz began acting. She often took small parts in TV shows and commercials. One advertisement for Cadbury's biscuits became very popular and helped people notice her talent. In the 1970s, she appeared in shows like All Creatures Great and Small.

Becoming Vera Duckworth

Liz Dawn first appeared in Coronation Street in 1974. At first, she had a small role as a factory worker. Her character, Vera, became a regular when her on-screen husband, Jack, played by Bill Tarmey, joined the show in 1979. Liz played Vera for 34 years, making her one of the show's most famous characters.

In 1990, Liz was surprised on the set of Coronation Street for a TV show called This is Your Life. This show celebrates famous people's lives and careers.

Life Beyond Coronation Street

In 2007, Liz asked to leave Coronation Street because of health problems. Her character, Vera Duckworth, died in her sleep on 18 January 2008. Liz said that saying goodbye to Bill Tarmey, who played Jack, was the hardest part. They were very good friends in real life.

Liz made a special one-off return to Coronation Street on 8 November 2010. She appeared as Vera's spirit to guide her on-screen husband, Jack, in his final scenes. They even shared one last dance together.

In December 2015, Liz came out of retirement for a guest appearance in another popular TV show, Emmerdale. She played a character named Mrs Winterbottom.

Helping Others

Liz Dawn was recognized for her charity work. In 2000, she received an MBE award. This was for her support of the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, the Genesis Appeal, and the Liz Dawn Breast Cancer Appeal in Leeds.

Liz also worked to help people understand lung conditions. She became an ambassador for the British Lung Foundation (BLF) in 2009. She led a campaign called "Breathe Easy Week" to raise awareness about lung health.

Her Final Years

Liz Dawn married Walter Bradley in 1957 and they had a son named Graham. Later, in 1965, she married Donald Ibbetson. They had three daughters: Dawn, Ann, and Julie. At the time of her passing, Liz had six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Liz had breathing problems for many years. In 2013, her health became more difficult after she had a heart attack. She passed away on 25 September 2017, at her home. Many actors from Coronation Street and other famous people shared their sadness and paid tribute to her. Her funeral was held in Salford.

What She Acted In