Tributes roll in for 'warm-hearted' Coronation Street star

Appearing at regular intervals from 2008 to 2015, he played the father of Paul Connor, Liam Connor and Michelle Connor.

Grimes even made a return in 2015 to attend Michelle's wedding to Steve McDonald.

RIP Frank Grimes aka Corrie's Barry Connor. pic.twitter.com/lnZkyQ9lqv

— Stuart Beck (@StuartBeckMP) August 6, 2025

In a statement, the Irish Cultural Centre said: "Frank was undoubtedly one of Ireland's greatest actors, he was a dearly loved friend of the ICC's and over the past three decades, he trod the ICC's stage on so many occasions.

"Anyone who saw Frank perform his riveting self-penned production 'the he and the she of it…' A Portrait of James Joyce', will know what a thrilling, powerful, unforgettable performance it was!

"Frank performed this superb tribute to his hero James Joyce, on whom he was an expert, three times at the ICC, and each time, every night he received standing ovations! "Frank was a spell-binding actor who had the most beautiful mesmerising voice and he often appeared on the radio show 'Bright Side Of The Road.'"

They added: "Frank was so warm hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes.

"We know that Ireland has lost one of it's truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again.

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"We are so sad to have to say goodbye to Frank, but we are also so blessed to have known him, to have worked with him and seen him perform.

"We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly, his son Andrew, his seven grandchildren and to all his extended family.

"We also send our condolences to all of Frank's friends and loved ones - May Frank sleep easy now."