John Arthur appeared in Coronation Street in three roles:
- The Hospital Consultant in November 1987 who treated Hilda Ogden and Joan Lowther when they were attacked in a robbery.
- The Judge at the custody hearing between Steve McDonald and Tracy Barlow over Amy Barlow in August and September 2005.
- The Minister who conducted the funeral service for Molly Dobbs in December 2010.
He trained at drama school in Birmingham and has also appeared in We'll Meet Again, Shine on Harvey Moon, Shelley, All Creatures Great and Small, C.A.T.S. Eyes, Boon, The Practice, Fresh Fields, Andy Capp, Never the Twain, Inspector Morse, London's Burning, Grange Hill, The Bill, A Touch of Frost, Bob Martin, My Family, Barbara, Crooked House, The Tudors, Mr Selfridge and Doctors.
Film roles include parts in Sharky's Machine, Drgaon Fire, The Abduction Club and Beasts of No Nation.
On stage he appeared for many repertory companies including ones in Crewe, Derby, Worcester and Loughborough. Roles include parts in Travelling Hopefully, Taking Steps, The Crucible, Sisterly Feelings, Joking Apart, Look Look, Piaf, Communicating Doors, The Shoemaker's Holiday and, in two seasons at the Royal National Theatre, Tons of Money, The Second Mrs Tanquery, A View From the Bridge and A Small Family Business.
On radio he has been heard in The Iguanodon, La Bolshie Vita, Patriotic Bunting, The Lackey's Daughter, Cardboard Christmas Cut-Outs, Lovekill, Dead Men and Bunn and Co.