Casualty, the world’s longest-running medical drama, first graced our screens in 1986, introducing a cohort of actors who would become household names.

Here’s a look at what some of the original Casualty stars have been up to since their time in the ED, from tragic losses to major award wins:

The Oscar Winner:

• Brenda Fricker (Megan Roach): Perhaps the most celebrated alumnus of the original cast, Brenda Fricker played the compassionate and straight-talking nurse Megan Roach from 1986 to 1990. Just a few years after leaving Casualty, she made history in 1989 by becoming the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful role as Christy Brown’s mother in the film My Left Foot. She also famously appeared as the “Pigeon Lady” in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Fricker later returned to Casualty in 2010 for a poignant euthanasia storyline that saw Megan’s character die.

The Longest-Serving Legend (Recently Departed):

• Derek Thompson (Charlie Fairhead): Derek Thompson was the undisputed heart and soul of Casualty, playing senior nurse Charlie Fairhead from the very first episode in 1986 until his emotional departure in March 2024. He was the longest-serving character in a continuous drama in the world. Over his 38 years, Charlie endured countless traumas, from being shot and held hostage to surviving a heart attack. Thompson’s dedication to the role and his consistent presence made him an iconic figure in British television. His recent exit was a massive event for fans.

Tragic Losses:

• Bernard Gallagher (Ewart Plimmer): Bernard Gallagher played Ewart Plimmer, Casualty’s first-ever consultant, from 1986 to 1988, when his character sadly died of a heart attack at the hospital he loved. Gallagher had a prolific career after Casualty, appearing in shows like Crown Court, Bad Girls, Midsomer Murders, EastEnders, and Downton Abbey. Sadly, Bernard passed away in November 2016 at the age of 87.
• Christopher Rozycki (Kuba Trzcinski): Christopher Rozycki played Polish porter Kuba Trzcinski in the first three series of Casualty. After leaving the show, he continued to act in various TV and film roles. Fans were saddened to learn of Christopher’s tragic death. (Specific details about the circumstances of his death are not widely publicized but his passing is noted.)
• Lisa Bowerman (Sandra Mute): Lisa Bowerman played Sandra Mute, Casualty’s first female paramedic and notably, the first regular character to be killed off in the show’s history. Sandra met a tragic end in 1987 when she was stabbed. Bowerman went on to have a successful career elsewhere, including roles in Coronation Street, Doctors, Hollyoaks, and is particularly well-known for her extensive work in Doctor Who audio plays as Bernice Summerfield.

Others and Their Careers:

• Cathy Shipton (Lisa “Duffy” Duffin): Cathy Shipton played the beloved nurse Duffy on and off for many years, first from 1986-1993, then returning for various stints before becoming a regular again in 2016. Duffy was famously killed off in a heartbreaking storyline on February 1, 2020. Shipton has continued to work in theatre and other TV roles, including a guest role in Hollyoaks.
• Robert Pugh (Andy Ponting): Robert Pugh portrayed paramedic Andy Ponting in the first series. Since leaving the show, Pugh has had a distinguished career in film and television, with notable roles in Game of Thrones (as Craster), Doctor Foster, Mr Selfridge, and films like Master and Commander and Kinky Boots.
• Julia Watson (Baz Wilder): Julia Watson played Baz Wilder, Charlie’s love interest and the mother of his son Louis. She had several stints on the show. After leaving Casualty, Julia has consistently worked in both stage and television, appearing in shows like Doctors and Midsomer Murders.
• George Harris (Clive King): George Harris, who played alcoholic nurse Clive King in the first series, has gone on to have a successful career in iconic franchises, playing wizard Kingsley Shacklebolt in three Harry Potter movies and Captain Simon Katanga in Raiders of the Lost Ark. He also appeared in Black Hawk Down.

The original cast of Casualty truly laid the groundwork for what would become a British television institution, with their careers showcasing a wide spectrum of successes, and sadly, some personal tragedies.

Here’s a look at what some of the original Casualty stars have been up to since their time in the ED, from tragic losses to major award wins: The Oscar Winner: Brenda Fricker (Megan Roach): Perhaps the most celebrated alumnus of the original cast, Brenda Fricker played the compassionate and straight-talking nurse Megan Roach from…