Barbara Ferris, ‘Coronation Street’ Actress, Dies at 85
Barbara Ferris, known for her role in Coronation Street and a long career in film and stage, has died at age 85. Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025.
Sad to hear of the passing of Barbara Ferris - she appeared in some great films but my favourites has to be Sparrows Can’t Sing and Catch Us If You Can obviously coz of Yootha and Brian ! RIP Barbara ♥️ pic.twitter.com/qOXfcLWeM2
— ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????♡︎ (@devotedtoyootha) June 2, 2025
Best Known for ‘Coronation Street’
Barbara appeared in 10 episodes of Coronation Street in 1962 as Nona Willis, a barmaid at the Rovers Return. Although her time on the show was short, fans remember her charm and screen presence. She later said she found the local Lancashire accents hard to follow, which led to her early departure.
A Career in Movies and Theatre
Ferris had a vibrant career beyond television. She starred as Dinah in the 1965 film Catch Us If You Can alongside Dave Clark. She also appeared in Sparrers Can’t Sing (1963), Children of the Damned (1964), and The Krays (1990), which was her final on-screen role.
In theater, she earned critical praise for roles in bold plays like Saved (1965) by Edward Bond and the comedy There’s a Girl in My Soup (1966).
Some sad news
— Mark Fowler (@MarkFow74007631) June 1, 2025
RIP Barbara Ferris
born 27 July 1939; died 23 May 2025 pic.twitter.com/e9gmME48fc
Personal Life and Family
Born in London on July 27, 1939, Barbara Ferris was the youngest of two children. She studied at the Italia Conti stage school and started her career as a model before turning to acting.
She married film producer John Quested in 1960, and the couple had three children: Nicholas, Christopher, and Catherine. Her sister, Liz Ferris, was an Olympic bronze medalist in springboard diving at the 1960 Rome Games.
After retiring from acting, Barbara focused on her family and supported her husband’s international career.
Remembering a Graceful Talent
Fans and fellow actors are remembering Barbara Ferris for her elegance, talent, and dedication to her craft. Though she left the spotlight early, her legacy continues through her memorable performances on screen and stage.
