Coronation Street fans are only just realising John Savident appeared movie

THEY say that some of the greatest artists only find fame after death and now the phrase seems especially fitting in light of the sad passing of Coronation Street actor John Savident.

The actor who was known for playing the butcher Fred Elliot in the ITV soap, died earlier this week aged 86, his agent revealed today.

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But before he strolled onto the cobbles, the actor had an impressive film career, including a part on the 1971 classic, A clockwork Orange.

He also had a cameo role in the Hollywood blockbuster Hudson Hawk with Bruce Willis.

Now it seems as though many of his fans have only just recognised his achievements.

Following an outpouring of admiration on social media in the wake of his death, one fan wrote: “Discovery of the day, John Savident was in Hudson Hawk with Bruce Willis.”

Another wrote: “RIP John Savident who prior to Corrie had a great cameo in Hudson Hawk.”

Meanwhile another said: “I really like that John Savident appears in A Clockwork orange.”

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."

Posting on Twitter, EastEnders actor Stuart Antony said: "RIP wonderful John Savident. Always lovely and witty."

Savident first stepped onto the street in 1994 and quickly became a fan favourite.

His storylines involved his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals.

A secret son, Ashley Peacock also arrived on the show and the two later developed a close bond as they worked as butchers together.

Savident's character was killed off in 2006, suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev Unwin.

Savident yearned to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren back home in Hertfordshire.

After leaving Corrie, he told the Mirror: "It was the show itself that did for me - it was breaking my heart. " I was becoming an absentee husband, father and grandfather by spending so many hours working on The Street.

"I couldn't go on any longer - the whole situation was becoming ridiculous and deeply distressing."

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