Haydn Gwynne, a beloved and versatile British actress known for her remarkable performances on both stage and screen, has sadly passed away at the age of 66 following a recent cancer diagnosis. Her agent, Alex Irwin, confirmed that she breathed her last in a London hospital early Friday, surrounded by her devoted sons, close family members, and friends.
Born in 1957, Gwynne initially taught English in Italy before embarking on her journey as an actress. She achieved fame with her breakthrough role in the 1990s sitcom "Drop the Dead Donkey," where she portrayed a frazzled television news producer, offering a humorous yet affectionate portrayal of the world of journalism. Her talent shone in other notable roles, including appearances in the medical drama "Peak Practice" and her standout performances in royal roles, such as Queen Camilla in the royal satire "The Windsors" and lady-in-waiting Susan Hussey in "The Crown."
Gwynne's illustrious career extended to the stage, where she notably portrayed Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher alongside Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in "The Audience." Helen Mirren, her co-star, paid tribute to Gwynne, describing her as a delightful person and a dedicated actress. Mirren highlighted Gwynne's unique ability to seamlessly balance humor and seriousness throughout her career, making her an exceptional talent. "We will miss her very much," Mirren added.
Gwynne's talent was recognized with nominations for both an Olivier Award and a Tony Award for her portrayal of a supportive dance teacher in the musical "Billy Elliot," which she performed in both London and New York. Additionally, she received three other Olivier Award nominations for her roles in "The Threepenny Opera," "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," and "City of Angels."
Despite battling cancer, Gwynne continued to grace the stage in several plays throughout the year. Notably, she was set to appear in a musical tribute to Stephen Sondheim's "Old Friends" in London's West End. However, due to unforeseen personal circumstances, she withdrew from the production during rehearsals.
Cameron Mackintosh, the show's producer, described Gwynne as a truly wonderful person and a phenomenally talented actress and singer. He announced that the Friday performance would be dedicated to her memory, honoring her incredible contributions to the world of entertainment.
