It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the incredibly talented actress, Haydn Gwynne. At the age of 66, Gwynne lost her battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by her loved ones and fans.
In a heartfelt statement, Gwynne’s agent shared that she passed away in the hospital, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family, and friends. The statement also expressed gratitude towards the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton hospitals for their exceptional care during her final weeks.
Gwynne, known for her role as the sardonic assistant editor Alex Pates in Channel 4’s newsroom satire Drop the Dead Donkey, had a remarkable career in both television and stage. She received Olivier and Tony award nominations for her portrayal of the dance teacher in Billy Elliot the Musical in London and New York. Additionally, Gwynne earned three other Olivier nominations for her performances in musical productions such as City of Angels, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (based on Pedro Almodóvar’s film), and The Threepenny Opera.
Many have paid tribute to Gwynne, including playwright Jack Thorne, who worked with her in When Winston Went to War With the Wireless at the Donmar Warehouse in London this year. Thorne fondly remembered Gwynne as “the kindest, loveliest soul and a wonderful performer” who gave her all to every role. Writer Jonathan Harvey also praised her as a “gifted and versatile all-rounder.”
Gwynne’s notable roles in the West End included Margaret Thatcher in Peter Morgan’s 2013 play The Audience, where she starred alongside Helen Mirren as the Queen. She also portrayed Lady Wishfort in the Restoration comedy The Way of the World at the Donmar in 2018 and a no-nonsense judge in The Great British Bake Off Musical in 2023. Her Shakespearean performances included Queen Elizabeth in Richard III opposite Kevin Spacey at London’s Old Vic in 2011 and Volumnia in Coriolanus for the RSC in 2017.
Throughout her career, Gwynne showcased her versatility by portraying regal and noble characters, such as Camilla in Channel 4’s comedy The Windsors and Lady Susan Hussey, lady-in-waiting to Imelda Staunton’s Queen, in Netflix’s The Crown. She also left a lasting impression as a scheming gallerist in the BBC’s Sherlock and had recurring roles on Peak Practice and Merseybeat.
Although Drop the Dead Donkey brought her fame and earned her a BAFTA nomination for best light entertainment performance, Gwynne’s talent extended beyond her iconic role as Alex Pates. Born in West Sussex, Gwynne’s passion for acting started with local am-dram productions. She studied sociology at the University of Nottingham and performed in student theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Instead of attending drama school, Gwynne had a crucial breakthrough in 1984 when renowned director Alan Ayckbourn cast her in Sandy Wilson’s musical play His Monkey Wife in Scarborough.
Gwynne’s talent and dedication to her craft will forever be remembered. Her legacy lives on through her two sons, whom she shared with her partner, Jason Phipps. Haydn Gwynne will be deeply missed, but her contributions to the world of acting will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
