John Aubrey Conway Howarth (19 February 1896 – 31 March 1984) was an English stage, radio and television actor, best remembered for his role as grumpy but likeable elderly war veteran Albert Tatlock in the TV series Coronation Street between 1960 and 1984, in which he was an original cast member.

He recalled, "I once played Humpty Dumpty when the director decided I had to wear a costume like a big egg, with little arms and legs.

"[5] Howarth also appeared in a number of films including The Man in the White Suit (1951) and Hobson's Choice (1954), and many television programmes.

[3] He was listed in The Guinness Book of Records under the category "Most Durable Performers" for being an actor on stage and television for 76 years from 1907 until his last appearance as Albert Tatlock in 1984.

[2] On Saturday, 31 March 1984, Jack Howarth died in Llandudno General Hospital from kidney failure and pneumonia, aged 88, with his wife and son at his bedside.

[8] Prior to his death, Howarth had a lengthy absence from filming Coronation Street, explained by a storyline of Albert visiting his daughter.

"[9] The last speculative newspaper article appeared on 1 April 1984 in The Mirror, a day after his death, reporting that his contract would not be renewed that November.

[2] His death meant that William Roache, who played Albert Tatlock's nephew-in-law, Ken Barlow, was the only original actor left on Coronation Street at that time.

A memorial service was held on 19 June 1984, at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden, attended by Leslie Crowther, Dickie Henderson, Geoff Love and David Jacobs.

He was eventually persuaded to appear on the show, joined by the cast of Coronation Street, with tributes from stars including Bryan Mosley, Betty Driver, Eileen Derbyshire, Margot Bryant, Thora Hird and Arthur Lowe.