Coronation Street and Boon Actor David Daker Dies Aged 90 Following Long Television Career

The family of actor David Daker have announced that he died in April at the age of 90, with news of his passing only now being shared publicly.

While many viewers will remember him from his appearances in Coronation Street, David was perhaps best known for playing Harry Crawford in ITV drama Boon, a role that helped make him a familiar face to millions during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Across a career spanning more than six decades, David appeared in some of Britain’s best known television programmes and built a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected character actors.

David Daker’s Coronation Street connection

Coronation Street viewers may remember David from two separate roles on the ITV soap.

His first appearance came as Basil Griffin between December 1968 and January 1969 during the programme’s early years.

More than a decade later he returned to Weatherfield as Gordon Lewis, the relief manager of the Rovers Return. The character appeared intermittently between 1981 and 1985, placing David alongside some of the soap’s most iconic names.

As Gordon Lewis, he shared scenes with Rovers legends including Bet Lynch and Betty Turpin during a memorable era for the famous pub.

Although neither role was a permanent one, David’s appearances remain part of Coronation Street history and are remembered by long time viewers who followed the programme during those years.

The role that made him famous

Away from the cobbles, David achieved his greatest television success in Boon.

The ITV drama starred Michael Elphick as Ken Boon and became one of the channel’s biggest hits. David played Harry Crawford, Boon’s trusted friend and business partner, appearing throughout the programme’s run from 1986 until 1992.

The series attracted huge audiences and became one of the most successful British dramas of its era. At its peak, Boon was watched by around 15 million viewers, making it one of the country’s most popular programmes.

Much of that success came from the on screen partnership between Michael Elphick and David Daker. Harry Crawford’s loyalty, humour and friendship with Boon became a central part of the show’s appeal.

Even today, Boon remains fondly remembered by viewers who grew up watching the series, and David’s portrayal of Harry is often regarded as one of the programme’s defining performances.

A career spanning generations of television

Born Colin David Daker in Bilston, West Midlands, in September 1935, David originally trained as a draughtsman before pursuing acting professionally.

His television career stretched across multiple generations and included appearances in Z Cars, Doctor Who, Only fools and horses, Porridge, Dixon of Dock Green, Juliet Bravo, The Bill, Doctors, Holby City, Minder and Crown Court.

He also enjoyed a successful stage career, appearing in productions including A Taste of Honey, Pygmalion and A Streetcar Named Desire.

While he may not always have been the leading star, David became one of those actors audiences instantly recognised. His ability to move between drama, comedy and soap made him a valuable presence on British television for decades.

A lasting legacy

For Coronation Street viewers, David Daker will be remembered for his appearances as Basil Griffin and Gordon Lewis during two very different periods of the soap’s history.

For millions of others, he will always be Harry Crawford, the dependable friend at the heart of Boon.

His career touched some of Britain’s most beloved television programmes and left behind a body of work that spans more than 60 years.

David Daker’s contribution to British television will not be forgotten, and both Coronation Street and Boon viewers have plenty of reasons to remember him with affection.

David Daker was 90 years old.