Haydn Gwynne dies aged 66 as tributes flood in for Drop the Dead Donkey star

Haydn Gwynne dies aged 66 as tributes flood in for Drop the Dead Donkey star

WATCH NOW: Mark Longhurst and Pip Tomson announce death of Haydn Wynne

GB NEWS
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 20/10/2023

- 13:25

Updated: 20/10/2023

- 15:00

The 66-year-old was best known for starring in Drop the Dead Donkey and The Crown

Haydn Gwynne has died at the age of 66, her agent has confirmed.

The actor was had been diagnosed with cancer last month as she was forced to cancel her return to the stage in the West End.


Her agent said in a statement on Friday: "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."

Gwynne was "surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends".

The statement concluded: "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."

Haydn Gwynne

Haydn Gwynne was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year

GETTY

Gwynne's career on-screen saw her star in a number of big-name projects as well as Drop the Dead Donkey.

She played Lady Susan Hussey in Netflix's royal drama The Crown last year and even portrayed Queen Camilla in the comedy series The Windsors.

Her other TV credits include Death in Paradise, Silent Witness, Law & Order: UK and many more.

On the big screen, Gwynne appear in the 2017 revamp of Beauty and the Beast while also appearing in Hunky Dory alongside Minnie Driver in 2011.

It was on stage that Gwynne enjoyed much of her success, however, taking on the role of Billy's dance teacher in both the West End and on Broadway productions of Billy Elliot.

Gwynne bagged a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal in the musical.

Tributes have poured in for the actor following the news of her death, including from one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, who penned: "Completely shocked and very sad to hear of the untimely passing of Haydn Gwynne.

"Original Mrs Wilks in @BillyElliotUK, wonderful actress and a lovely person. I saw her in Bake Off just a few months ago, and she was characteristically brilliant."

A second echoed: "Terribly sad to hear of the death of Haydn Gwynne. A wonderful actress. Far too young. 66. RIP."

Haydn Gwynne

Gwynne was a star of the big and small screen as well as the theatre

GETTY

While a third commented: "Just heard the devastating news that Haydn Gwynne has died. A fine actress, a great singer and a wonderful dancer. My sincerest condolences to her husband Jason and her children. #RIPHaydnGwynne."

And another added: "Rest in peace Haydn Gwynne — who following her recent diagnosis with cancer has passed away.

"I’d like to propose a toast," the X user continued alongside a heartbroken emoji.

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