Iconic UK Actress Haydn Gwynne Passes Away at 66 Following Battle with Cancer
LONDON, October 20, 2023 - The entertainment industry mourns the loss of the iconic British stage and screen talent, Haydn Gwynne. The gifted actress, renowned for her dynamic roles and memorable performances, passed away at 66 following a recent cancer diagnosis.
Haydn Gwynne, a name synonymous with stellar British performances, took her last breath in a London-based hospital on Friday. By her side were her cherished sons, close kin, and dear friends, shared her agent Alex Irwin.
In a journey that began in 1957, Gwynne initially embraced teaching English in picturesque Italy. However, the world of acting beckoned, leading her to her breakout role in the '90s sitcom "Drop the Dead Donkey." This humorous portrayal of the journalistic realm showcased her exceptional talent.
She graced screens with performances in medical drama series "Peak Practice" and wowed audiences with her portrayals in regal characters such as Queen Camilla in "The Windsors" and the poised lady-in-waiting Susan Hussey in the globally renowned series "The Crown."
Gwynne's stage prowess shone as she played the formidable Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher alongside Helen Mirren's Queen Elizabeth II in the acclaimed "The Audience." The revered actress Mirren remembered Gwynne, highlighting her rare ability to blend humor and seriousness. Mirren fondly stated, “She was a delightful individual and an unwaveringly dedicated actress. Her absence will deeply resonate in our hearts."
Throughout her illustrious career, Gwynne clinched nominations for prestigious accolades, including the Olivier Award and Tony, for her commendable role in the musical sensation "Billy Elliot," both in London's West End and on Broadway. Her unmatched versatility led to three additional Olivier nominations for performances in “The Threepenny Opera,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” and “City of Angels.”
Despite health challenges, Gwynne's passion remained undimmed as she took part in numerous plays this year, such as “The Great British Bake Off Musical." However, she made a heartbreaking exit from the anticipated "Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends" in London's West End due to unforeseen personal challenges.
Cameron Mackintosh, the show's revered producer, lauded Gwynne's irreplaceable contributions to the arts. Describing her as both an extraordinary talent and a delightful individual, Mackintosh announced Friday's performance would be a homage to the legacy she leaves behind.
