The 66-year-old’s portrayals as Camilla in the British sitcom “The Windsors” and “Drop The Dead Donkey” were her most recognizable.
Iconic Roles in British Sitcoms
Haydn Gwynne, aged 66, passed away following a recent cancer diagnosis, as confirmed by her representatives.
A Career in Stage and Screen
The stage and screen actress gained widespread recognition for her performances as Camilla in the British sitcom “The Windsors” and in the comedy series “Drop The Dead Donkey.”
Her representatives issued the following statement: “We regret to inform you that Haydn Gwynne, a star of stage and screen, passed away in the hospital in the early hours of Friday, October 20, shortly after receiving a cancer diagnosis. She was surrounded by her cherished sons, close family, and friends.
We wish to express our gratitude to the personnel and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their exceptional care over the past few weeks.
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Fond Remembrances from Colleagues
Helen Mirren called Gwynne “ultimately devoted and a delight to be around.”
“I had the immense pleasure of sharing the stage with her in the play ‘The Audience,’ in which we performed a delicate dance together, much like the original characters (Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher),” she continued.
“Her entire career exemplified the extraordinary ability to maintain a delicate equilibrium between humour and gravity. She will be sorely missed by all.”
A theatre producer who collaborated with Gwynne before her illness, Cameron Mackintosh, described the news as an “immense shock.”
“Haydn was a phenomenally talented singer and actress, in addition to being a truly wonderful person. Depriving everyone of her tremendous talent and company is a double tragedy,” he said.
“Tonight’s performance of ‘Old Friends’ is dedicated by the company to her memory and extraordinary career.” At the Gielgud Theatre tonight, as Haydn raised a glass to the audience and stated, “I would like to propose a toast…,” each individual present expressed a desire to offer a toast to the esteemed Haydn. Her blessings are from God.”
A Versatile Actress with Award Nominations
Gwynne, who was born in Sussex, spent her early adult years teaching English in Rome. However, at the age of 25, she returned home to pursue her lifelong ambition of becoming an actress.
She made her debut in 1990 in the comedy “Drop The Dead Donkey” as the frigid assistant editor, Alex Pates; the film also earned her a BAFTA TV award nomination in 1992.
Dr. Joanna Graham, her portrayal on “Peak Practice,” was another factor in her rise to prominence.
She was nominated for two Olivier Awards for her roles in “City of Angels” and “Billy Elliot the Musical.” Additionally, she had a renowned career on stage.
For “The Threepenny Opera” and “Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown,” she got two more nominations.
In Peter Morgan’s 2013 West End play “The Audience,” she played Margaret Thatcher alongside Dame Helen Mirren as the Queen.
Gwynne appeared in several royal series, including the fifth season of “The Crown,” in which she portrayed former royal aide Lady Susan Hussey, who resigned from the royal household after a racism controversy.
Earlier this year, she also joined “The Great British Bake Off Musical” in the role of Pam Lee, the judge based on Prue Leith.
She was to star in Mackintosh’s next musical, Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends” at the Gielgud Theatre in September. However, she was forced to withdraw in advance due to “unexpected personal circumstances.”
During an “Old Friends” gala premiere in May 2022, Mackintosh reminisced that after delivering an “unforgettable” rendition of “Ladies Who Lunch,” she had become an “integral part” of the “extremely close-knit company,” adding, “Haydn will be sorely missed.”
