It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of the beloved actress Haydn Gwynne. She passed away at the age of 66, surrounded by her adoring sons, close family, and friends. We are grateful for the exceptional care provided by the dedicated staff at the Royal Marsden and Brompton hospitals during her battle with cancer.
Gwynne’s career as an actress showcased her extraordinary talent on both television and stage. Many will remember her role as the sardonic assistant editor Alex Pates in Channel 4’s newsroom satire, “Drop the Dead Donkey.” She also received recognition with Olivier and Tony award nominations for her portrayal of the dance teacher in “Billy Elliot the Musical” in London and New York. Her remarkable talent shone in other acclaimed productions such as “City of Angels,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” and “The Threepenny Opera,” for which she received Olivier nominations.
A Legacy on Stage
Gwynne’s stage career was marked by distinguished performances that left a lasting impact on audiences. Her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in Peter Morgan’s play “The Audience,” alongside Helen Mirren as the Queen, showcased her immense talent. She also played memorable roles, including Lady Wishfort in the Restoration comedy “The Way of the World” and a no-nonsense judge in “The Great British Bake Off Musical.” Gwynne’s versatility extended to Shakespearean productions, where she captivated audiences as Queen Elizabeth in “Richard III” and Volumnia in “Coriolanus.”
Unforgettable Performances
Gwynne’s talent extended beyond regal characters, captivating the hearts of audiences with her diverse roles. She showcased her range by portraying Camilla as a “soap-opera villainess” in Channel 4’s comedy “The Windsors” and as Lady Susan Hussey, lady-in-waiting to Imelda Staunton’s Queen, in Netflix’s “The Crown.” Her memorable performances also include a scheming gallerist in the BBC’s “Sherlock” and recurring roles in “Peak Practice” and “Merseybeat.”
In 1989, Gwynne received praise for her portrayal of an English lecturer in the TV mini-series “Nice Work,” based on David Lodge’s novel. However, it was her role as Alex Pates in “Drop the Dead Donkey” that truly brought her recognition. Her outstanding performance as the second-in-command at the highly dysfunctional GlobeLink News earned her a BAFTA nomination. Gwynne’s talent and dedication to her craft were evident as she played the role throughout the first two series of the popular show.
Honoring Her Legacy
Haydn Gwynne’s journey in the arts began with her passion for local amateur dramatic productions in West Sussex. Although she didn’t attend drama school, her talent caught the attention of Alan Ayckbourn, who cast her in Sandy Wilson’s musical play “His Monkey Wife” in Scarborough in 1984. Gwynne’s talent continued to shine, and she went on to study sociology at the University of Nottingham while participating in student theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She embraced opportunities for growth and showcased her versatility as an actress.
As we say goodbye to an exceptional actress, we remember the joy and inspiration Haydn Gwynne brought to our screens and stages. Her legacy will live on through her unforgettable performances. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time.
