William Rush, beloved actor known for his role in Waterloo Road, has sadly passed away at the age of 31. His mother, Debbie Rush, an actress famous for her decade-long portrayal of Anna Windass in Coronation Street, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that their family is “completely broken” by the loss. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.
Rush began his acting career as a child, making appearances in Grange Hill and Shameless before becoming a recognizable face on BBC One’s Waterloo Road, where he portrayed schoolboy Josh Stevenson across 168 episodes from 2009 to 2013. His talents extended beyond acting; he once auditioned for ITV’s The X Factor in 2016, reaching the challenging “six-chair challenge” stage.
Debbie Rush expressed profound sorrow, referring to William as “our beautiful baby boy” and emphasizing the depth of their loss. In her tribute, she revealed that William chose to become an organ donor, a decision that she highlighted as a testament to his character: “Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all,” she said. Through his choice to be an organ donor, he has provided hope and life to other families, showcasing his kindness and love as part of his enduring legacy.
She requested privacy as the family navigates this “unimaginable grief,” stating, “William will always be loved, always missed, and forever in our hearts.” The news has prompted an outpouring of support from fellow Coronation Street cast members, with many expressing their shock and condolences. Sally Dynevor described William as a “beautiful boy,” while Jack P Shepherd conveyed his devastation over the news and Shobna Gulati offered her deepest sympathies. Additionally, Chelsee Healey, who also starred in Waterloo Road, shared her heartbreak over the loss.
The passing of William Rush leaves a significant void in the hearts of those who knew him and admired his work, but his legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the inspiration he provided.