HAYDN Gwynne, known for a string of hit roles in The Windsors and Drop the Dead Donkey, has died aged 66.
Bafta-nominated star Haydn also had a role as Lady Susan Hussey in hit Netflix show The Crown.
She also starred in Merseybeat in 2001 and played Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Audience.
In a statement on Friday, her agent said: "It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.
"We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks."
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…
- By Henry Moore
Was Haydn Gwynne married and does she have any children?
Yes, Haydn was married and she did have children.
She was married to her husband Jason Phipps who tends to stay out of the limelight and works as a psychotherapist.
The pair have two children together – Orlando, born in 1997 and Cain, born in 2000 as Harrison before legally changing his name at 17.
- By Henry Moore
When did Haydn Gwynne pass away?
It was announced on Friday, October 20, 2023 that Haydn had passed away at the age of 66.
Her agent announced in a statement: "It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.
"We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks."
- By Henry Moore
Who was Haydn Gwynne?
Haydn Gwynne was best known for her acting career – starring in a multitude of TV shows and films such as Drop the Dead Donkey.
She was born in West Sussex on October 5, 1957 and became an actress in her mid-twenties.
She was nominated and won a number of awards throughout her career such as being nominated for the 1992 BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance for her role in Drop the Dead Donkey.
The star was also a four-time Olivier Award nominee.
- By Louis Allwood
Tributes flood in
Tributes have flooded in for the TV star.
The British Comedy Society said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by this news. A brilliant comic actress. RIP Haydn Gwynne."
A second said: "A legendary actor taken too soon. No journalist of the 90s will ever forget the genius of “Drop the dead donkey” & her amazing performance."
- By Louis Allwood
Haydn's early life
Haydn was born in Sussex in 1957 and attended the University of Nottingham where she studied sociology.
The star later took a five-year lectureship in Italy at the University of Rome La Sapienza where she taught English as a foreign language.
Her first acting role was as feminist lecturer Dr Robyn Penrose in the BBC mini-series dramatisation of David Lodge's Nice Work in 1989.
Haydn then went on to appear in the 1991 Children's ITV science-fiction series Time Riders and Peak Practice.
- By Louis Allwood
Tributes flood in for Haydn
Fans of the late star have flooded social media with tributes following the tragic news.
One fan praised her stage performances saying: "This is terribly sad news. Always loved watching Haydn Gwynne on stage – and of course in the Globelink newsroom too!
"Thoughts with her family and friends."
A second commented: "Really sad news about Haydn Gwynne. I enjoyed watching her in Peak Practice, may she rest in peace."
- By Louis Allwood
What awards did Haydn earn?
Haydn earned a Bafta and Tony Award nomination for her role in Billy Elliot the Musical on the West End.
Haydn played the titular character's dance teacher and was due to return to the stage last month.
Sadly, the actress was forced to pull out after being diagnosed with cancer.
- By Louis Allwood
What shows was Haydn known for?
Haydn was praised for her roles in Drop the Dead Donkey and The Windsors on TV.
Her other roles included playing Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Audience.
- By Louis Allwood
Agent announced the death
Announcing the tragic news today, Haydn's agent said: "It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.
"We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks."
- By Louis Allwood
Star dies aged 66
Haydn Gwynne, known for roles in The Windsors and Drop the Dead Donkey, has died aged 66.
The Bafta-nominated star also had a role as Lady Susan Hussey in hit Netflix show The Crown.
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