The Confusion Around the Richard Hillman Actor Death
Honestly, if you've spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen some panicked posts or clickbait headlines about the "death" of the actor who played Richard Hillman. It’s one of those things that just starts circulating. People get the fictional character mixed up with the real-life human being.
Let's clear the air immediately. Brian Capron, the legendary actor who brought the "Tricky Dicky" serial killer to life on Coronation Street, is very much alive.
As of January 2026, Brian is active, healthy, and still working. In fact, he’s been busy with a panto run as Abanazer in Aladdin at The Plaza, Stockport, which wrapped up earlier this month. The confusion usually stems from the fact that Richard Hillman—the character—had one of the most spectacular, iconic deaths in soap opera history. When people search for "Richard Hillman actor death," they're often looking for details on how the character died, but the phrasing makes it sound like Brian Capron himself passed away. He hasn't.
Why Everyone Still Remembers That 2003 Exit
It has been over twenty years. Two decades! Yet, we’re still talking about that canal plunge. Why?
Basically, it was the peak of British soap drama. In March 2003, nearly 20 million people tuned in to see Richard drive the Platt family into a canal. It was dark. It was cold. It was terrifying. Richard didn't survive that night, but the impact of the performance was so massive that Brian Capron’s face is permanently linked to that "death" scene in the public consciousness.
The Return of the "Ghost"
The rumors spiked again recently because of a very clever bit of TV writing. In late 2024, Brian Capron actually returned to Coronation Street.
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He didn't come back as a long-lost twin or someone who miraculously survived drowning. He appeared as a "ghost" or a vision during Gail Platt’s exit storyline. Seeing Brian back on the cobbles, dripping wet and looking exactly like he did in his final moments in 2003, sent the internet into a frenzy. It reminded everyone of the character's demise, leading to a surge in searches about the actor's status.
Brian himself said it was a "lovely experience" to return and that the writers handled the dark humor of Richard perfectly. It was a nostalgic nod to the fans, but for the casual viewer who just saw a headline about "Richard Hillman's return and death," it was easy to get confused.
Brian Capron in 2026: Life After the Canal
So, what is the man behind the gloves actually doing now?
Brian is 78 years old and shows zero signs of slowing down. He’s become a staple of the UK theatre scene. While many actors struggle to shake off a role as massive as a soap villain, Brian leaned into it. He’s played Captain Hook, he’s done The Rocky Horror Show, and he’s a regular on the panto circuit. He’s even a season ticket holder at Brighton & Hove Albion—you might catch him at a match if you’re looking.
- Theatre Work: He recently finished the 2025/2026 panto season.
- TV Appearances: Beyond the Corrie cameo, he’s a frequent guest on shows like Good Morning Britain to discuss soap history.
- Public Life: He’s often seen at industry events, looking remarkably similar to his 2000s self (minus the crowbar).
The reality is that "Richard Hillman" is a role Brian is incredibly grateful for. He’s mentioned in interviews that getting that part in his 50s gave his career a second wind that has lasted over 20 years.
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Why These Rumors Persist
The "celebrity death hoax" is a weird quirk of the internet age. Sometimes it’s malicious, but often it’s just a misunderstanding of a "Years Since..." anniversary post or a tribute to a character.
In Brian's case, he’s also had to mourn several of his former co-stars, like Anne Kirkbride (Deirdre Barlow), and his public tributes to them sometimes get caught up in the SEO algorithms, leading people to think the news is about him.
It’s also worth noting that Richard Hillman was voted the greatest soap villain of all time by multiple outlets. When a character is that "dead" in the narrative sense, the actor's real life can sometimes feel like a post-script to the audience. But Brian Capron is a working actor with a vibrant career that spans far beyond a rainy canal in Manchester.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re a fan of Brian Capron or just a Corrie nut who wants to stay updated, here’s how to separate the character from the man:
Follow Official Channels
Always check reputable UK news outlets like the BBC, ITV, or Digital Spy for actual news. If a legendary actor like Brian Capron passed away, it would be breaking news across every major network, not just a random post on a Facebook group.
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Check the Context
If you see "Richard Hillman" trending, look for keywords like "anniversary," "classic episodes," or "cameo." Most of the time, the internet is just reminiscing about the time he tried to kill Emily Bishop with a crowbar.
Support His Current Work
The best way to celebrate an actor’s legacy is to see them live. Brian still tours the UK in various stage productions. If he's in a panto near you, go see him—he’s still the best "baddie" in the business.
Verify the Source
Before sharing a "Rest in Peace" post, click the link. If the article is about a fictional character's 25th anniversary or a dream sequence on a soap, the headline is likely designed to bait your click.
Brian Capron is a testament to the idea that you can be one of the most hated men on television while being one of the most well-liked people in the industry. He’s alive, he’s well, and he’s still making us look over our shoulders for a guy in a pair of black leather gloves.