ACTOR'S LOVE
Who is John Savident’s wife Rona and who are is his children?
Including when John passed away
JOHN Savident was best known for his role on Coronation Street playing butcher Fred Elliott.
Throughout his life he had his wife Rona by his side. Here's a look at John's marriage and children.
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Who is John Savident's wife Rona?
John Savident was married to his wife Rona Hopkinson since 1961.
Rona has been by her husband's side ever since he joined Coronation Street in 1994.
It hasn't been revealed how the pair met before sparking up their romance.
Who are John Savident's children?
John and Rona had two children together - daughter Romany and a son called Daniel.
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The actor quit his role on the cobbles due to wanting to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
John told The People: "They are really great kids, both sporty and so full of life and fun.
"I regret missing out on seeing them during a part of their growing up.
"I was becoming an absentee husband, father and grandfather by spending so many hours working on The Street.
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"I couldn't go on any longer - the whole situation was becoming ridiculous and deeply distressing."
When did John Savident die?
It was announced on Thursday, February 23, 2024 that John had passed away at the age of 86.
In a statement, his agent said: "We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday 21 February.
"He was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
John joined Coronation Street as Fred Elliott in 1994 and his time on the ITV soap was filled with dramatic storylines.
His work on the show involved a disastrous love life - including three marriages and several failed proposals.
His secret son Ashley Peacock appeared on the show, with the pair going on to become close and work at the butchers toegther.
John's character Fred was killed off in 2006.
His character suffered a stroke on the day he was meant to be getting married to marry Bev Unwin who was played by Susie Blake.
Despite being a fan favourite on Corrie, John wasn't always an actor.
Before finding fame, he worked as a police officer.
He worked in the vice squad in Manchester, where he was scouted for Corrie by Granada which is when he opted for a career change.
John went through a dramatic time in his person life in December 2000 when he was stabbed at his Manchester flat.
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He had invited back Michael Smith, 30 - later jailed for seven years over the attack - to talk about theatre after they met in a nightclub.
"I suddenly felt somebody come up behind me and whizz me round so I was face down on the bed and then I felt a prick on my throat," Savident said at the time.
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