Pat Phoenix

Patricia Phoenix, born Patricia Frederica Manfield on 26 November 1923, was an English actress primarily known for her long-running role as Elsie Tanner on the British soap opera Coronation Street. She played the character from the show's inception in 1960 until 1973, and again from 1976 until she left the role in 1984.

Early Life

Phoenix was born at St Mary's Hospital in Fallowfield, Lancashire. Her mother was Annie (née Noonan), originally from County Galway, Ireland. She later claimed that her birthplace was Galway, though she stated this was to align with her mother's account. Her father was Thomas "Tom" Manfield, whose involvement in a car accident when Patricia was eight revealed his marriage was bigamous, as he had not divorced his first wife, who was living elsewhere. Her mother subsequently remarried Richard Pilkington. Phoenix attended Fallowfield Central School and showed an interest in theater from a young age, appearing on Children's Hour radio programs at age 11 after submitting a monologue.

Career

Following school, Phoenix initially worked as a filing clerk for Manchester Corporation's electricity department while participating in amateur dramatics. She joined the Arts Theatre in Manchester and performed with other repertory companies in northern England. Her professional breakthrough came in 1948 with a role in the film Cup-tie Honeymoon. She also had roles in Blackpool's theatre productions and worked with Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop at Stratford East.

Phoenix appeared in films such as Blood of the Vampire (1958) and Jack the Ripper (1959). Her career saw a significant rise when she was cast as Elsie Tanner in Coronation Street, a role she portrayed with distinctive fiery red hair. She adopted the surname Phoenix, symbolizing rebirth like the mythological bird, taking her new name from her birth name Pilkington. Despite her fame, she struggled to secure equivalent success in other roles during her time away from the series.

Her film work also included The L-Shaped Room (1962), where she played a prostitute. The film featured her future husband, Anthony Booth, in a small role. In 1972, she was featured on the television program This Is Your Life. Following her final departure from Coronation Street in 1984, she appeared in the television play Hidden Talents in 1986 and in the sitcom Constant Hot Water the same year.

Personal Life

Phoenix's personal life included three marriages. Her first marriage was in 1953 to actor Peter Marsh; they divorced in 1961. In December 1972, she married her Coronation Street co-star Alan Browning; he died in September 1979 from liver failure. Subsequently, she married actor Anthony Booth, the father-in-law of Tony Blair. Phoenix was a practicing Catholic and supported the Labour Party, campaigning for Tony Blair during the 1983 general election and for Tony Benn in the 1984 Chesterfield by-election. She owned the Navigation Inn, a pub in Buxworth, Derbyshire.

Illness and Death

In March 1986, Phoenix was diagnosed with lung cancer after collapsing at home. She was a heavy smoker, consuming approximately 60 cigarettes daily. She continued working afterward, concealing her illness from most individuals, including her partner Tony Booth. Her health declined in mid-1986, requiring extensive treatment. It was publicly leaked that she had only weeks to live, and she had received the last rites. Phoenix married Booth at the Alexandra Hospital on 9 September 1986. She died in her sleep eight days later, on 17 September 1986, at the age of 62. Her funeral was held at Holy Name Church in Manchester and included a brass band, as per her wishes.

Legacy

Phoenix has been portrayed by various actresses in drama portrayals of her life on stage and television. In 2000, she was commemorated with a blue plaque outside Granada Studios as part of the Coronation Street 40th anniversary, along with plaques for other prominent actors from the show. Her image was also featured on the cover of The Smiths' 1985 single "Shakespeare's Sister."