William Roache Biography: William Patrick Roache OBE (born April 25, 1932) is an English actor renowned for his role as Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. He is the longest-serving cast member on the show, having appeared continuously since its debut on December 9, 1960. Roache holds a place in the Guinness World Records as the longest-serving television star in a continuous role.
William Roache Biography 2025
William Patrick Roache OBE is an English actor, best known for playing Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Roache is the longest-serving cast member in Coronation Street, having appeared in the show continuously since its first broadcast on 9 December 1960.
Born: 25 April 1932 (age 92 years), Basford, Nottingham, United Kingdom
Spouse: Sarah Roache (m. 1978–2009), Anna Cropper (m. 1961–1974)
Children: Linus Roache, James Roache, Vanya Roache, Edwina Roache, Verity Roache
Height: 1.75 m
Parents: Joseph William Vincent Roache, Hester Vera
Rank: Captain
Service/branch: Royal Welch Fusiliers
William Roache Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
William Patrick Roache
25 April 1932 (age 92)
Basford, Nottingham, England
|
| Occupation |
Actor |
| Years active |
1958–present |
| Known for |
Longest serving TV soap opera actor |
| Spouses |
|
| Children |
5, including Linus and James |
| Allegiance |
United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |
Royal Welch Fusiliers |
| Years of service |
1953–1956 |
| Rank |
Captain |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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Early Life
Roache was born in the Basford suburb of Nottingham to Joseph William Vincent Roache, a doctor, and Hester Vera, the daughter of Albert and Mary Zillah Waddicor. Albert Waddicor struggled with alcoholism, while his wife was a successful entrepreneur who ran a restaurant and tea rooms at Alton Towers, which was originally opened as a tourist attraction—not yet a theme park—following the death of the 20th Earl of Shrewsbury. Roache spent his childhood in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, where he attended a Steiner school established by his grandfather, a physician and surgeon, in the family garden.
His grandfather was a Freemason with interests in theosophy, esotericism, hypnotism, spiritualism, and homeopathy, along with the teachings of philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Later, Roache was educated at Rydal School. In 1953, he joined the British Army and was commissioned into the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was promoted to lieutenant the following year and left the service in 1956 with the rank of captain. During his military service, he sustained tinnitus from an exploding mortar round.
William Roache: Icon of British Television
William Roache is a distinguished English actor best known for his role as Ken Barlow in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street. With a career that spans over six decades, Roache has become a beloved figure in British television.
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Background of William Roache
| Birthplace |
Basford, Nottinghamshire |
| Childhood Location |
Ilkeston, Derbyshire |
| Education |
Steiner school, Rydal School |
| Military Service |
Royal Welsh Fusiliers |
William Roache’s Acting Career
Roache began his acting journey in the early 1960s, taking on minor television roles before landing his iconic part on Coronation Street.
| Year |
Role/Project |
Notable Achievements |
| 1960 |
Ken Barlow in Coronation Street |
Longest-serving cast member |
| Early 1960s |
Various minor television roles |
Gained early recognition |
| Reality Shows |
Appeared in several specials |
Expanded his audience reach |
Roache’s portrayal of Ken Barlow has garnered him acclaim and made him a staple of British entertainment.
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William Roache’s Net Worth
| Financial Overview |
Amount |
| Estimated Net Worth |
$5 million |
| Main Sources of Income |
Acting, television appearances |
His financial success is a testament to his enduring presence in the industry.
William Roache’s Salary
| Salary Details |
Estimated Amount |
| Average Annual Salary |
$500,000 |
| Earnings from Coronation Street |
Varied by contract |
| Income from Other Projects |
Additional $100,000 annually |
His long tenure on Coronation Street has significantly contributed to his overall earnings.
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William Roache’s Impact on Television
| Impact Area |
Description |
| Cultural Influence |
Iconic character Ken Barlow |
| Longevity |
Record-holder for longest-running TV role |
| Mentorship |
Inspired many young actors |
