Renowned actor Haydn Gwynne, aged 66, has passed away after battling cancer. Her agent released a statement expressing gratitude to the Royal Marsden and Brompton hospitals for their care during her last weeks. Gwynne, best known for her role as the sardonic assistant editor Alex Pates in “Drop the Dead Donkey,” enjoyed a distinguished career in both TV and theater. She earned Olivier and Tony award nominations for her role in “Billy Elliot the Musical” and garnered several Olivier nominations for other musical productions. Colleagues and friends paid tribute to her kindness and talent.

In September 2023, Gwynne withdrew from “Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends” in the West End. Her illustrious theater career included portraying Margaret Thatcher and Lady Wishfort, along with Shakespearean roles. In television, she portrayed Camilla in “The Windsors,” Lady Susan Hussey in “The Crown,” and featured in “Sherlock,” “Peak Practice,” and “Merseybeat.” Gwynne, born in West Sussex, started in local theater and later studied sociology at the University of Nottingham. Despite not attending drama school, she had a significant breakthrough in 1984 with Alan Ayckbourn. Gwynne leaves behind two sons from her partner, Jason Phipps.