Emmerdale’s Zak Dingle Actor, Steve Halliwell, Passes Away at 77
Renowned for his enduring portrayal of Zak Dingle in Emmerdale, actor Steve Halliwell has passed away at the age of 77. Having first graced the ITV soap in October 1994, he remained a fixture on the show for an impressive 29 years.
His family confirmed his peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones, expressing their sentiments in a statement. “He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for,” they shared.
James Hooton, who portrayed Halliwell’s on-screen son Sam Dingle since 1995, led tributes to the late actor, labeling him a “soap icon” and recalling their enduring friendship.
Fellow Emmerdale star Danny Miller, known for playing Aaron Dingle, remembered Halliwell on Instagram, sharing a photo and acknowledging the actor’s mentorship both on and off the set.
Described as the “undoubted father of the show” by ITV drama executive John Whiston, Halliwell’s off-screen persona was as cherished as his on-screen character. Born in Lancashire, he transitioned from working in mills to pursuing a career in acting, appearing in series like Here I Stand, Heartbeat, and Coronation Street before becoming an integral part of Emmerdale.
Halliwell’s iconic portrayal of Zak Dingle, with his distinctive flat cap, wellies, and wax jacket, made him the second longest-serving cast member in the Yorkshire-based soap. His character navigated dramatic storylines, mirroring Halliwell’s own struggles with alcohol and mental health.
The actor openly shared his personal battles, acknowledging his role as a “functioning alcoholic” and reflecting on the resonance between his life experiences and Zak Dingle’s tumultuous journey.
In 2018, Halliwell temporarily left the show for health reasons, undergoing a pacemaker fitting due to a serious heart condition. His family expressed gratitude to the medical staff at St James’s Hospital in Leeds and Wheatfield Hospice for their compassionate care during his final days.
Steve Halliwell leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of soap opera, remembered not only for his compelling on-screen presence but also for his warmth and camaraderie off-camera.
Steve Halliwell: Emmerdale’s Zak Dingle actor dies aged 77 https://t.co/YsT5XQAbWl
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) December 15, 2023