Dame June Whitfield has died aged 93
Screen legend Dame June Whitfield has died aged 93.
Known for her roles in Absolutely Fabulous, Last of the Summer Wine, Terry and June and most recently EastEnders, June's sparkling career stretched all the way back to the 1950s. She also appeared in the Carry On franchise and even had a role in Friends.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her agent yesterday (29 December).
Whitfield was awarded an OBE in the 1985, a CBE in 1998 and a DBE in 2017 for her services to drama and entertainment.
Starring as Edina's (Jennifer Saunders) mother in Absolutely Fabulous, Whitfield was originally only meant to appear in a single episode, but went on to become one of the series' most popular characters. Whitfield also had a memorable cameo alongside David Tennant in his final episode of Doctor Who.
Tributes to the late star have poured online following this tragic news, with a number of industry workers sharing their own memories of a truly memorable performer.
Among those paying tribute is June's Absolutely Fabulous co-star Joanna Lumley, who said she was ‘heartbroken’ by the news.
‘I am heartbroken to lose such a darling friend and shall never forget her sensational talent, humour and her generosity to us all who had the joy of working with her on Ab Fab,& Joanna told ITV News.
‘She will always have a most special place in my heart.’
Very sad at the news of the death of the wonderful June Whitfield . There was no-one with more warmth or a better ability to just "place" a line ,always an act of utter precision. Hit after hit! Take it from Here Terry and June Absolutely Fabulous over seven decade. A great loss
- JON PLOWMAN (@bimpsonbun1) December 29, 2018
Comedy producer Jon Plowman, who worked on Absolutely Fabulous, shared via Twitter: "Very sad at the news of the death of the wonderful June Whitfield . There was no-one with more warmth or a better ability to just 'place' a line, always an act of utter precision. Hit after hit! Take it from Here, Terry and June, Absolutely Fabulous over seven decades. A great loss."
Thank you #damejunewhitfield,for teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity.I always wanted you to know how in awe of you I was, however, you were always far too humble to accept my https://t.co/2wc2G3bQ0G were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran.🙏🏻💕
- Julia Sawalha (@JuliaSawalha1) December 29, 2018
June's Absolutely Fabulous co-star Julia Sawalha, who played her granddaughter in the show, thanked Whitfield for ‘teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity’.
Actor Jane Slavin said: ‘Beautiful June. Such a funny and brilliant actress xxx #JuneWhitfield.’
More tributes to the late star can be seen below.
So very sad. I once sent a letter to many actors as a budding (I mean desperate) comedy actor to ask for sponsorship for the Edinburgh Festival. Dame June replied. Fifteen years later when I met her she had all my letters and the notes of the show she sponsored. I cried then too. https://t.co/oaGXd7ick4
- Miranda Hart (@mermhart) December 29, 2018
Sad news: Actress Dame June Whitfield has died aged 93. Our thoughts are with her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/JXPvvB73ck
- Loose Women ❄️🎄 (@loosewomen) December 29, 2018
“Oh, there’s no point getting in a tizz over anything. Life’s too short!”
The remarkable - and beautiful- Dame June Whitfield. RIP. #JuneWhitfieldRIP pic.twitter.com/azt9MUOfBu- E O Higgins (@eohiggins) December 29, 2018
Rest in peace, Dame June Whitfield.
Lucky enough to chat with her many years ago. Loved the Crazy Gang of Wimbledon and loved her football.
Another part of the patchwork of being a child of the 80's, gone.
Rest in peace, Dame June. ❤️- Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) December 29, 2018
How sad... June Whitfield has passed away at the age of 93. What an incredible career she had. I saw her back in October, she was sat behind us watching Joanna Lumley. A massive loss to the world of comedy whk will be fondly remembered. Thoughts are with her friends and family. pic.twitter.com/fdCbGhKJtM
- Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) December 29, 2018
Dame June Whitfield, best known for ‘Terry and June’ and ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ has died aged 93 pic.twitter.com/Jrxx6x62Il
- Richard Frediani (@FredianiITV) December 29, 2018
Sadly very true. 💔 to hear of loss of #JuneWhitfield. A legacy of love and laughter she leaves behind. RIP.
- Kieran Brown (@Kierbro) December 29, 2018
So sad to hear the wonderful Dame June Whitfield has died. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, #JuneWhitfield pic.twitter.com/kbmRz0lVH1
- The Royal Butler (@TheRoyalButler) December 29, 2018
June Whitfield was just the best.
- Lewis Goodall (@lewis_goodall) December 29, 2018
The very sad news that #JuneWhitfield - star of #Abfab and #TerryandJune - has died at the age of 93. Most certainly a #legend
- Lucrezia Millarini (@lucrezianews) December 29, 2018
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