Acting
Jim Bywater
Born 1944-01-01 · Yorkshire, England, UK
Jim Bywater was a British actor and musician perhaps best known for the role of Wilf Starkey in Coronation Street. In the 1970s and 80s, Bywater was a member of Belt and Braces, Gavin Richards' leftwing political theatre company, and of the Belt and Braces Roadshow Band which released music in the decade. In 1976 Bywater met his wife, the actress and broadcaster Jeni Barnett whilst starring together in a Belt and Braces production. On 16th June 2026, Barnett posted a blog entry announcing Bywater's recent death at the age of 82 following a long illness.
Acting credits
A film extra has won a chance for the big break in his career. He has two crucial lines in a television film, but nothing goes according to plan.
Ready When You Are, Mr McGill
1976
NRIn 1812 there were violent disturbances in Yorkshire when new machines were introduced into the wool industry. This film is an interpretation of those events made in the style of a documentary.
The Luddites
1988
8.0During questioning by the police, a railway worker falls to his death from the multi-story police HQ. The government says it was an accident but there is a public outcry. The Superintendant and Inspector responsible are awaiting the arrival of an Investigating Judge but get more than they bargained for when a lunatic escapes and impersonates him.
The Accidental Death of an Anarchist
1983