Biography
Doris Speed was an English actress best known for playing Annie Walker, the landlady of the Rovers Return Inn, in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She appeared in the programme from its first episode in December 1960 until 1983, featuring in 1,746 episodes.
Born in Chorlton, Lancashire, on 3 February 1899, Speed began acting as a child, touring with her parents who worked in music hall and repertory theatre. She later worked for many years as a clerk at the Guinness brewery in Manchester before returning to acting. Creator Tony Warren wrote the part of Annie Walker specifically for her after having worked with her on BBC radio.
Speed received an MBE in 1977 for her services to drama. She died in Bury, Greater Manchester, on 16 November 1994.
