Alan Browning

Alan Brown (23 March 1926 – 7 September 1979), professionally known as Alan Browning, was an English actor. He was born in Newcastle, England. During the 1950s, he worked as a reporter for a local newspaper in Newcastle and began acting as an amateur at the People's Theatre. Subsequently, he moved to London to work for a news agency.

While in London, Browning was assigned to Cairo, where he met his first wife, Anne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens). After returning to the United Kingdom, Browning pursued acting professionally, encouraged by Anne. His early roles included being cast as King John in educational films produced for Encyclopedia Britannica. He also appeared as an extra in various television series, including "Z-Cars," "The Saint," and "The Avengers."

In 1963, Browning starred as Chief Officer Steve Rettar in the ABC television series "Jezebel." His prominence increased when he was cast as Ellis Cooper in the series "The Newcomers," which aired from 1965 to 1968. He is perhaps best known for portraying the character Alan Howard in the British television soap opera "Coronation Street," a role he played from 1969 to 1973.

Browning married fellow "Coronation Street" cast member Pat Phoenix on 23 December 1972. Phoenix portrayed Elsie Tanner, the onscreen wife of Browning’s character, Alan Howard. They remained married until his death in 1979. Before their marriage, Browning and Phoenix toured the UK and New Zealand with theatrical productions of "Gaslight" and "Night Must Fall," both directed by Browning. Phoenix later rejoined the cast of "Coronation Street."

In addition to his acting career, Browning recorded an LP of jazz standards titled "Whisky & Milk" in 1975, performed with the Tony Hayes Quartet. The album's title referenced his preferred beverage, which he favored for its easier digestion compared to neat whisky.

Browning's television credits also include "Interpol Calling" (1960), "Dr. Finlay's Casebook" (1962), "Maigret" (1963), "The Plane Makers" (1964), "The War of Darkie Pilbeam" (1968), "Big Breadwinner Hog" (1969), "The Onedin Line" (1971), "The Fear Is Spreading" (1975), "When the Boat Comes In" (1976), and "The Cedar Tree" (1976–77). His final television appearances were in 1978, in episodes of "A Horseman Riding By" and "Return of the Saint."

Browning's film work included roles in "Feet of Clay" (1960), "Fury at Smugglers' Bay" (1961), "Cleopatra" (1963), "Guns at Batasi" (1964), and "Julius Caesar" (1970).

He died from liver failure on 7 September 1979, attributed to heavy alcohol consumption.