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British soap opera star Steve Halliwell dies at 77
Fox News
British actor Steve Halliwell, longtime cast member on the popular soap opera "Emmerdale," has died at age 77, public broadcaster ITV said in a statement.
"It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away," ITV said. Chris Pandolfo is a writer for Fox News Digital. Send tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.
"He was making us laugh to the end," the family said in a statement. "The most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him."
John Whiston, managing director of Continuing Drama and head of ITV in the North said, "Steve Halliwell was one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off screen as on. To millions of Emmerdale viewers he was the brawny but crafty Dingle patriarch who led the clan with a strong fist and a warm heart. To everyone who worked on Emmerdale he was a much loved friend and colleague, the undoubted father of the show, but also its fun mischievous uncle. We will miss him enormously."