He died peacefully following a short illness on Wednesday, his agent said.

“To millions he was and very much still is remembered as ‘Jimmy’, to family and friends he was ‘Dino’. Dean’s family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support. We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief,” a statement from Hamilton Management and his family said.

Born on 7 June 1955 in Liverpool, Sullivan’s talent and passion for acting shone brightly throughout his career.

Sullivan initially pursued a career in education and worked as a primary school teacher for six years after earning his B.Ed. (Hons) degree from Lancaster University. However, his true calling in acting led him to take on various roles while also working as a substitute teacher. It was during this time that he became associated with the Epstein Theatre, then known as the Neptune Theatre, in Liverpool. He graced the stage in notable productions such as Willy Russell’s “Breezeblock Park” and Phil Redmond’s “Soaplights” at the Liverpool Playhouse.

Sullivan’s breakthrough came in February 1986 when he joined the cast of the beloved Channel 4 soap opera, Brookside, in the role of Jimmy Corkhill. He remained a key member of the show until its conclusion in November 2003, captivating audiences with his portrayal of the complex and memorable character. Sullivan’s talent and dedication to his craft earned him the prestigious British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2003, solidifying his place as a beloved figure in the soap opera world.

Beyond his acting career, Sullivan demonstrated his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by organising “murder weekends” through his company, The Murder Game. He also made appearances on popular shows like Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank and the sitcom Terry Across the Mersey. Additionally, he hosted a daily show on City Talk 105.9 until 2009. Sullivan’s commitment to making a difference in his community was evident through his involvement in a protest against violence in Liverpool, organised by the charity Term Time.

In August 2023, Sullivan publicly revealed that he had been privately battling prostate cancer since 2018. Despite this personal struggle, he continued to inspire others with his talent and resilience. Sullivan’s enthusiasm for his craft was evident in his desire to revive Brookside by attempting to purchase Brookside Close, the iconic street created for the show. Although his efforts were not successful, his dedication to his beloved character and the series remained unwavering.

Dean Sullivan’s impact on the world of acting and his commitment to raising awareness about important issues will be remembered. His talent, passion, and remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry will continue to inspire future generations.