English actress Haydn Gwynne, known for her impactful roles across stage and television, has died at the age of 66 following a cancer diagnosis. Her agent, in a sombre statement, revealed, “Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.” The statement also extended heartfelt thanks to “the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks.”
Gwynne’s illustrious career spanned various domains, from the small screen to the West End and Broadway stages. One of her most iconic roles was as the sardonic assistant editor Alex Pates in Channel 4’s acclaimed newsroom satire Drop the Dead Donkey. The series not only solidified her position in television but also earned her a BAFTA nomination.
On stage, Gwynne’s portrayal as Billy’s dance teacher in Billy Elliot the Musical was met with critical acclaim, earning her nominations for both Tony and Olivier awards. Other notable performances included roles in City of Angels, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, and The Threepenny Opera – all of which contributed to her Olivier nominations tally.
Gwynne with John Owen-Jones as the judges in The Great British Bake Off Musical. Pic: Imageplotter/Alamy Live News
Her versatility was further demonstrated through her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher on stage in The Audience, as well as Queen Elizabeth in Richard III opposite Kevin Spacey and Volumnia in Coriolanus for the RSC.
The actress also made a mark with her roles in royal-themed shows. Notable among these was her portrayal of Lady Susan Hussey in Netflix’s popular series The Crown and her comedic role as Camilla in Channel 4’s The Windsors.
Fellow artists and collaborators poured in with tributes. Jack Thorne, who worked with Gwynne in When Winston Went to War With the Wireless, commented, “Haydn was the kindest, loveliest soul and a wonderful performer. She gave everything to everything.” Writer Jonathan Harvey further highlighted her versatility, calling her “a gifted and versatile all-rounder.”
Gwynne with the young cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre in 2006
In September 2023, Gwynne was set to appear in the West End revue Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends. Cameron Mackintosh, the producer, reminisced about her unforgettable performance during the gala premiere of the show in May 2022, stating, “Haydn gave an unforgettable performance of Ladies Who Lunch … and has been an integral part of this very close-knit company ever since.”
Born in West Sussex, Gwynne’s journey to stardom was notable. From engaging in local amdram productions to studying sociology at the University of Nottingham and later lecturing in English at the University of Rome, she paved a unique path for herself in the world of entertainment. Her big break came in 1984 when Alan Ayckbourn directed her in His Monkey Wife, marking the start of a career that would touch and inspire countless fans.
She leaves behind two sons, whom she shared with her partner, Jason Phipps. As the world mourns her loss, Gwynne’s legacy as a dynamic and cherished performer remains indelible.
