UK Stage And Screen Star Haydn Gwynne Dies At 66 After Cancer Diagnosis

LONDON—— Haydn Gwynne, a widely acclaimed and versatile British stage and screen performer, has passed away. She had recently received a cancer diagnosis and was 66 years old.

According to Gwynne’s agent, Alex Irwin, the actress passed away early on Friday morning in a hospital in London “in the company of her cherished sons, close family, and friends.”

Gwynne, born in 1957, initially pursued an English teaching career in Italy before her success as an actress. Her breakthrough role was that of a stressed-out television news producer on the 1990s sitcom “Drop the Dead Donkey,” a satirical yet empathetic portrayal of the journalistic profession.

In addition to starring in the medical drama “Peak Practise” and the satirical royal series “The Windsors” as Queen Camilla and “The Crown” as Lady-in-waiting Susan Hussey, respectively, she excelled in regal roles.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was one of her numerous stage roles; she appeared opposite Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in “The Audience.”

Mirren praised Gwynne, describing her as “a delight to be around and an exemplary, devoted actress.”

“Her entire career exemplified the extraordinary ability to maintain a delicate equilibrium between humour and gravity.” “She will be sorely missed,” Mirren exclaimed.

“Billy Elliot” in London and New York earned Gwynne nominations for both an Olivier Award and a Tony Award for her performance as the supportive dance instructor. Additionally, “City of Angels,” “The Threepenny Opera,” and “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” earned her three additional Olivier nominations.

This year, she was scheduled to appear in the musical tribute “Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends” in London’s West End. She had performed in several plays that year, including “The Great British Bake Off Musical.” However, she abruptly withdrew from the production last month during rehearsals, citing “unexpected personal circumstances.”

Cameron Mackintosh, the show’s producer, remarked that Gwynne was “an exceptionally gifted actress and singer, in addition to being an exceptionally gracious individual.” He stated that the performance on Friday would be a memorial to her.

SOURCE – (AP)