Sam Gannon, the actor who played Kev the carriage driver in Emmerdale, died unexpectedly at the age of 31 in 2022 while visiting family in California. He was struck by a rare illness.
Role in Emmerdale
Gannon appeared in two episodes of the ITV soap in 2019 alongside Emma Atkins, who plays Charity Dingle. His character Kev was a horse-drawn carriage coachman, and the role was one of his biggest television credits.
Stage career and tributes
Originally from Brayton, near Selby in North Yorkshire, Gannon was best known for his stage work with the Northumberland Theatre Company. In a statement at the time of his death, the company said: "He delighted audiences with his charm, his wit and his wonderful musical abilities."
He was described as being like a human Duracell bunny, with limitless energy and many creative ideas. The theatre added that he was "a genuinely lovely lad, a wonderful human and a good friend to many."
Family and legacy
His mother, Angela Gannon, said a childhood heart condition had re-emerged before his death. She said: "You just don't expect these things to happen, especially to a young man of 31 who was having the time of his life. He was having a great time, up in the mountains shooting tin cans, building stables for horses."
A crowdfunding campaign raised money to return his body to the UK, and his funeral took place at York Minster in October 2022, with mourners asked to wear bright colours in tribute to his "sensitive, caring" nature.
Jonathan Kelly, who set up the Just Giving appeal, said: "Sam was a true performer, and any extra money raised will be donated to a UK charity supporting youth theatre, a cause close to Sam's heart." Remaining funds were directed to youth theatre in his memory.
Gannon also appeared in the TV series Tales of Bacon and the film Babes with Blades.
