BBC star dead - just weeks after final TV appearance
Grange Hill actress Cleo Sylvestre's agent has confirmed the star's death this afternoon, with tributes pouring in for the trailblazer who was the first black star to play a leading role at the National Theatre. Her agent told the BBC today: "Much-loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a trailblazer and a true friend. She will be sorely missed by so many. We ask that you respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time."
Her daughter Zoe Palmer took to Twitter this afternoon to pay tribute, telling her followers: "Our beloved, inspirational mum @CleoSylvestre crossed over this morning. With thanks to the teams @NHSHomerton and #therlh who cared for her so brilliantly over the past three weeks. Rest in power mum, see you on the dance floor."
Throughout her illustrious career, Cleo graced popular TV series such as Grange Hill and the recent Channel 5 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small. Her agency, Fulcrum Talent, told BBC News that she will be "sorely missed by so many".
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Besides acting, Cleo also dabbled in music, releasing 'To Know Him is to Love Him' in 1964 with The Rolling Stones providing backing vocals. She had become friendly with the legendary band during a blues night in Soho, reports the Mirror.
Only last month, Cleo appeared on The Antiques Roadshow, sharing fond memories of her time with the iconic rock'n'roll group. The late actress had promoted her appearance on the BBC show on her Twitter page.
She also starred in ITV's Platform 7, tweeting on 26th August, "AFTER @BBC_ARoadshow yesterday, am also in some episodes of this" as she shared reviews of the drama.
Tributes poured in for the late actress on social media, with playwright Bonnie Greer tweeting: "The actor #CleoSylvestreMBE has crossed over. She was one of the reasons that-from my vantage point in NYC I thought that this country has the best anglophone theatre ..and the best place to be a #BlackWoman in it. I still think that. Thank you, Cleo!"
A fan shared a collection of photos of Cleo, writing: "RIP Cleo Sylvestre. One of the first black actresses to have a role in a British Soap. Crossroads in the 1960s #cleosylvestre @motelcrossroads Sad to hear this. Pity known of her episodes are available to see from Crossroads."
Another fan added: "The wonderful Cleo Sylvestre MBE died early this morning 1945-2024. Despite a very challenging upbringing she walked out into the limelight as an actress and singer who radiated modest charm and joy wherever she went. She will be greatly missed."
Born in April 1945, Cleo grew up and was educated in Camden, north London. She launched her acting career and made her first appearance on the West End at Wyndham's Theatre in Simon Gray's 1967 play Wise Child.
Cleo broke barriers as the first black woman to take a leading role in a National Theatre production when she starred in Peter Nichols' satire The National Health in 1969.
Her TV roles span popular series like Till Death Do Us Part, Doctors, Coronation Street, The Bill, New Tricks and Doctor Who, as well as a regular role in school drama Grange Hill. Her filmography includes My Lover My Son (1970), Till Death Us Do Part (1969), Kidulthood (2006) and Paddington (2014).
She often worked with Ken Loach, featuring in his debut film Poor Cow and later in Cathy Come Home and Up the Junction. After appearing in Some Women, a dramatisation of real-life stories from imprisoned women aired on BBC Two, she caught the attention of TV producer Reg Watson, who cast her in ITV's Crossroads.
In the soap opera, she played Meg Richardson's adopted daughter Melanie from 1970 to 1972. At its height, Crossroads drew about 15 million viewers, propelling Sylvestre into the national limelight.
Cleo was honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for her contributions to drama and charity. She tied the knot with Ian Palmer in 1977 and they had three children together before parting ways in 1995; their kids include writer and TV presenter Zoe, Lucy and Rupert Palmer.