Bernard Arthur Youens (28th December, 1914 - 27th August, 1984) was a British actor who achieved national fame and popularity for his portrayal of the lovable layabout Stan Ogden on Coronation Street, from June 1964 until March 1984, just five months before his death. Born "Bernard Popley" in Salford, he worked in repertory theatre before and after World War II where, Like Stan, he fought in North Africa and also took part in the Anzio landings. He went on to appear in two films before his big break came in 1956 when he landed a job at Granada as a continuity announcer. Bernard turned down the chance to audition for Coronation Street in 1960, preferring the security of his announcer's position, but ended up auditioning in 1964 and was chosen to play Stan, patriarch of the arriving Ogden fa