More stories

  • in

    Haydn Gwynne death updates — Drop the Dead Donkey and West End theatre star dies aged 66 after health battle

    HAYDN Gwynne, known for a string of hit roles in The Windsors and Drop the Dead Donkey, has died aged 66. Bafta-nominated star Haydn also had a role as Lady Susan Hussey in hit Netflix show The Crown.
    She also starred in Merseybeat in 2001 and played Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Audience.
    In a statement on Friday, her agent said: “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, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.
    “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.”
    Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…
    What movies and TV shows has Haydn Gwynne starred in?
    Haydn took on many roles throughout her acting career, but one of her most well-known was her part of Alex Pates in Drop the Dead Donkey in 1990.
    Her first television role was when she played Dr Robyn Penrose in the BBC television mini-series Nice Work in 1989.
    She later became a regular in Peak Practice in 1999 as Dr Joanna Graham.
    Haydn’s most recent roles were playing Susan Hussey in the fifth series of The Crown in 2022 and in 2023, she starred as Pam Lee, a version of the real life judge Prue Leith, in The Great British Bake Off Musical.
    Tributes flood in following star’s tragic passing
    Fans have flooded social media with tributes to Haydn Gwynne following her death aged just 66.
    One X user wrote: “Terribly sad to hear of the death of Haydn Gwynne. A wonderful actress. Far too young. 66.”
    Another added: “A devastating loss to the industry. Will raise a glass to you, Haydn Gwynne.”
    And a third said: “RIP Haydn Gwynne. A remarkable and versatile actress.”
    Was Haydn Gwynne married and does she have any children?
    Yes, Haydn was married and she did have children.
    She was married to her husband Jason Phipps who tends to stay out of the limelight and works as a psychotherapist.
    The pair have two children together – Orlando, born in 1997 and Cain, born in 2000 as Harrison before legally changing his name at 17.
    When did Haydn Gwynne pass away?
    It was announced on Friday, October 20, 2023 that Haydn had passed away at the age of 66.
    Her agent announced in a statement: “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, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.
    “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.”
    Who was Haydn Gwynne?
    Haydn Gwynne was best known for her acting career – starring in a multitude of TV shows and films such as Drop the Dead Donkey.
    She was born in West Sussex on October 5, 1957 and became an actress in her mid-twenties.
    She was nominated and won a number of awards throughout her career such as being nominated for the 1992 BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance for her role in Drop the Dead Donkey.
    The star was also a four-time Olivier Award nominee.
    Tributes flood in
    Tributes have flooded in for the TV star.
    The British Comedy Society said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by this news. A brilliant comic actress. RIP Haydn Gwynne.”
    A second said: “A legendary actor taken too soon. No journalist of the 90s will ever forget the genius of “Drop the dead donkey” & her amazing performance.”
    Haydn’s early life
    Haydn was born in Sussex in 1957 and attended the University of Nottingham where she studied sociology.
    The star later took a five-year lectureship in Italy at the University of Rome La Sapienza where she taught English as a foreign language.
    Her first acting role was as feminist lecturer Dr Robyn Penrose in the BBC mini-series dramatisation of David Lodge’s Nice Work in 1989.
    Haydn then went on to appear in the 1991 Children’s ITV science-fiction series Time Riders and Peak Practice.
    Tributes flood in for Haydn
    Fans of the late star have flooded social media with tributes following the tragic news.
    One fan praised her stage performances saying: “This is terribly sad news. Always loved watching Haydn Gwynne on stage – and of course in the Globelink newsroom too!
    “Thoughts with her family and friends.”
    A second commented: “Really sad news about Haydn Gwynne. I enjoyed watching her in Peak Practice, may she rest in peace.”
    What awards did Haydn earn?
    Haydn earned a Bafta and Tony Award nomination for her role in Billy Elliot the Musical on the West End.
    Haydn played the titular character’s dance teacher and was due to return to the stage last month.
    Sadly, the actress was forced to pull out after being diagnosed with cancer.
    What shows was Haydn known for?
    Haydn was praised for her roles in Drop the Dead Donkey and The Windsors on TV.
    Her other roles included playing Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Audience.
    Agent announced the death
    Announcing the tragic news today, Haydn’s agent said: “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, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.
    “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.”
    Star dies aged 66
    Haydn Gwynne, known for roles in The Windsors and Drop the Dead Donkey, has died aged 66.
    The Bafta-nominated star also had a role as Lady Susan Hussey in hit Netflix show The Crown. More

  • in

    Haydn Gwynne dead: The Crown and Drop The Dead Donkey star dies at 66 after cancer battle

    DROP the Dead Donkey actress Haydn Gwynne has died aged 66 following a battle with cancer.The Bafta-nominated star also had a role as Lady Susan Hussey in hit Netflix show The Crown.
    Haydn Gwynne has died aged 66Credit: Getty
    Announcing the tragic news today, her agent said: “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, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.
    “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 was praised for her role as Alex Pates in 1990s Channel 4 show Drop the Dead Donkey.
    She also appeared as Camilla in The Windsors alongside Harry Enfield.
    The star earned a Bafta and Tony Award nomination for her role in Billy Elliot the Musical on the West End.
    Haydn played the titular character’s dance teacher and was due to return to the stage last month.
    Sadly, the actress was forced to pull out after being diagnosed with cancer.
    Haydn was born in Sussex in 1957 and attended the University of Nottingham where she studied sociology.
    Most read in Showbiz
    The star later took a five-year lectureship in Italy at the University of Rome La Sapienza where she taught English as a foreign language.
    Her first acting role was as feminist lecturer Dr Robyn Penrose in the BBC mini-series dramatisation of David Lodge’s Nice Work in 1989.
    Haydn then went on to appear in the 1991 Children’s ITV science-fiction series Time Riders and Peak Practice.
    She also starred in Merseybeat in 2001 and played Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Audience.
    Away from TV, Haydn appeared in a string of theatre productions, including Hedda Gabler and City of Angels.
    Haydn lived in London with her partner Jason Phipps and their two sons.
    Haydn was a Bafta and Tony Award-nominated actressCredit: Getty
    Haydn recently played Lady Susan Hussey in The CrownCredit: Netflix
    She had a role in 1990s TV sitcom Drop the Dead DonkeyCredit: Channel 4
    She played Alex Pates in the hit Channel 4 showCredit: Alamy
    Haydn also played Camilla in Channel 4 show The WindsorsCredit: (Channel 4 images must not be altered or manipulated in any way) CHANNEL 4 PICTURE PUBLIC More