Joe Gladwin


Joseph Gladwin was an English actor, best known for his roles as Fred Jackson in Coronation Street and Wally Batty in the world's longest-running sitcom, Last of the Summer Wine.

Biography

Gladwin was born at 44 Tatton Street in the Ordsall district of Salford, Lancashire, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Gladwin. His father was a coal dealer. Gladwin was baptised on 28 January 1906 at Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Ordsall, and educated at the parish school. He married Lily Anne Wynne on 30 December 1933 at Mount Carmel Church. Gladwin was appointed a Papal Knight for his charity work.
Before his professional career took off, Gladwin performed with The Decoys during World War 2, a Concert Party based in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester. This Concert Party entertained the troops in hospitals and elsewhere. At the time, Gladwin was a driver for a company delivering medicines to chemists.
Gladwin served as Northern representative of the Catholic Stage Guild. Despite his lifelong rhotacism, he became well known in British television, especially prominent from 1975 until his death in 1987.

Career

Gladwin worked as a 'feed' for Dave Morris for twelve years beginning in 1950. He appeared on British television from the 1960s onwards, making notable appearances in Z-Cars, Dixon of Dock Green and The Artful Dodger. He had a recurring role in Coronation Street between 1961 and 1966 as Fred Jackson, owner of the local fish and chip shop. Gladwin appeared in ‘’Last of the Summer Wine’’ from 1975 to 1986 and had completed work on the show’s ninth series and 1986 Christmas special before his death.
His film credits included appearances in Three Hats for Lisa, Charlie Bubbles, Work Is a Four-Letter Word, The Reckoning, the film version of Nearest and Dearest, Escape from the Dark and Yanks.
YearTitleRole-
1959The Artful DodgerCedric Butterworth-
1961, 1963–1964, 1966Coronation StreetFred Jackson7 Episodes
1968 to 1973Nearest and DearestStan Hardman-
1975The SweeneyStanley Proctor-
1975The WackersJoe Farrell-
1975 to 1976StrikerHarry-
1975 to 1987Last of the Summer WineWally Batty-
1978The LosersDennis Breene-
1979ThundercloudPorter-
1979 to 1980How's Your Father?Mr Blenkinsop-
1980All Creatures Great and SmallLen Hamson-
1980Born and BredJoe Jaikes-
1981Honky Tonk HeroesAlbert-
1981Funny ManAutograph hunter-
1981, 1984Juliet BravoMr. Long
Mr. Small 		-
1982Tales of the UnexpectedHeeney-

Death

Gladwin died on 11 March 1987, aged 81, in Manchester. He is buried at St Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery just off the A6 road at Wardley, Greater Manchester.