TRIBUTES have flooded after award-winning television writer Jack Rosenthal died aged 72.
The Manchester-born writer and husband of actress Maureen Lipman passed away at 11.20am on Saturday at the North London Hospice after a long battle with cancer.
One of Rosenthal's best friends, the author Colin Shindler, paid him a glowing tribute.
Mr Shindler, 54, whose books include Manchester United Ruined My Life, described Mr Rosenthal as his "mentor" and one of the best writers of his generation.
Awarded the CBE in 1994, he was one of Britain's most prolific screenwriters.
The son of a raincoat manufacturer, Rosenthal was born in Manchester in September 1931. He read English at Sheffield, which was followed by a period of national service in the Navy.
His career started with a job as an advertising copywriter before starting work as a researcher for Granada in Manchester in 1956.
Rosenthal worked as a scriptwriter during the early days of the Coronation Street in the 1960s, clocking up more than 150 episodes over the years.
Golden era
He said of the popular soap: "I'll always be proud of much of the work I did there. It's too easy to dismiss Coronation Street and as a training ground for writers and directors its importance can't be overstated."
It was while working for the programme that Rosenthal met his future wife, the actress Maureen Lipman. The couple had a son, Adam, and a daughter, Amy.
Rosenthal was also the writer of popular sixties and seventies TV sitcoms such as The Lovers and The Dustbinmen.
His witty and often moving plays were loved by millions, and are remembered by many as part of the golden era of television drama.
Rosenthal went on to create the London's Burning drama about fire fighters, which inspired the popular TV series.
He also co-wrote the Hollywood film Yentl with singer Barbra Streisand, who starred in the story of Jewish girl who dresses as a boy to gain an education.
Speaking after his death his agent Jenne Casarotto said Rosenthal had been "re-writing to the end."
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Great mancunians like him need to be remembered for what he did for manchester and the world dont let manchester forget its great people we need to have a roll of honour for all our great stars that shine through history and will forever be stars.
Aceriley.
Jack Rosenthal was a man of rare talent. He had the ability to take people into whatever he was writing, as if they were actually in the piece. His sense of humour and family values were a lesson to us all. An avid Manchester United fan, he supported the club he loved all his life. As an honoured Patron of Shareholders United, the Manchester United Supporter Shareholder organisation, he once told me that he only wrote to pass the time until he could play for United. He will be sadly missed and long remembered by everyone who knew him.
I was so sorry to hear of Jack's death - a brilliant playright - please send my condolences to Maureen Lipman
To Maureen Lipman and children.
I was saddened to read of Jack Rosenthal's passing, he was a fine writer with a wit and humour which is sadly lacking today.
His work on Yentl will stand as a testomony to his understanding of both women and their struggle to have the right to be educated.
I and my family will miss his work and his wonderful take on life.
I have read all your books and know how deeply you loved him - i just pray that you will remember always the good, funny, loving times you and he shared, especially those with your amazing children.
Take care and i know from losing people i love - he will always be with you even if not there physically but in your hearts and minds and the love you give to others.
i have only just heard of Jack's death and am greatly saddened. I have laughed myself silly watching all his plays in the past. Maureen's books have also been a sorce of joy and fun and the way she talked about the family made you feel you knew them all personally. She must be able to take some small comfort knowing that he gave so much to so many and will be remembered with fondness.
I really want to know some interesting facts about Jack Rosenthal. I am researching him and can only find the run of the mill basics. I would love to know some of the things he liked and more personal things like that so i can gain greater knowledge of him.