EastEnders is one of the nation’s favourite TV shows and the long-running has soap has provided some of the most-loved actors since the show began in 1985. This year, three of the nation’s most-loved actors from Albert Square have passed away including the legendary June Brown who passed away in her sleep on Sunday April 3.
Though, June is not the only legend from EastEnders to have passed away in 2022. Lenoard Fenton, who played Dr Harold Legg and Anna Karen, who played Peggy Mitchell’s sister Aunt Sal, have also died since the the New Year. June, Leonard and Anna all made a mark on the soap and became household names for many fans of the show.
Between them they had racked up a whopping 64 years on the show, including several stints where their characters would return for a brief spell to help pad out the storyline of some of the other long-lasting characters in the show. June Brown’s death has left many EastEnders fans in mourning and the shock death of Anna Karen in an Ilford fire in February also left many fans of the BBC soap in shock.
READ MORE:June Brown: Where are the original cast of EastEnders now? Tragic deaths, divorce between cast members and sex scandal
Leonard Fenton
(Image: Kieron McCarron/BBC)
Leonard Fenton, who was born in London, appeared in a total of 267 EastEnders episodes and fans said their final farewell to his character Dr Harold Legg in 2019 before the actor’s death in January of this year. Leonard passed away at the age of 95 and had appeared in the first ever episode of the hit Albert Square soap in 1985.
A statement from his family said: “The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29. Best known for his role as Dr Legg on EastEnders, Leonard’s acting career spanned more than 60 years.
“He worked in TV and film and his long stage career included time at the National Theatre and most recently the Royal Shakespeare Company. He felt privileged to have worked with some of the greats of the theatre, including Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller.
“His passion for painting and singing pre-dated his acting career and was equally as important to him. He will be missed beyond words by his family. We feel incredibly lucky to have been able to be with him as his health worsened towards the end – a privilege denied to so many during these tough times.”
Anna Karen
(Image: BBC)
Anna Karen was a famous face for many EastEnders fans as she had also appeared famously as the character Olive in hit 1970s comedy On The Buses before her stint on Albert Square. She had become friends with Barbara Windsor after appearing in comedy film Carry on Camping in the late 1960s and the pair were reunited as sisters Peggy Mitchell and Aunt Sal in the BBC soap opera.
Anna tragically passed away at the age of 85 in a horrific house fire in Ilford, East London in February this year. The EastEnders star died after a fire broke out at her home, by the time the fire had been brought under control it was sadly too late to save Anna.
EastEnders star Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell in the soap, said: “I just heard the awful news about the wonderful Anna Karen. Horrific and awful and so so sad. She was one of the best. Sleep well lovely Anna.” EastEnders co-star Jake Wood, who played Max Branning, said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Anna Karen. Loved working with her, [she was] so funny and full of character.”
June Brown
(Image: BBC)
June Brown, who played the loveable chain-smoking matriarch Dot Cotton on the soap, passed away in her sleep on April 3 and has been receiving tributes from fans and celebrities across the world to commemorate her life on and off screen. June lived a relatively normal life off screen in Croydon but she was known to have several A-List celebrity chums, including Lady Gaga.
On Monday April 4, the BBC shared this statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE, sadly passed away last night. There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten.
“June created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton, not just in soap but in British television, and having appeared in 2,884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders’ finest moments. We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June’s family and friends. A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today but we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory. Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten.”
June’s family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side. We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
Her death has sent shockwaves across the UK and many fans of the show are still coming to terms with the passing of such a legendary and iconic actress who made the character of Dot Cotton become such a revered and celebrated figure on a British soap opera.
Trainee Reporter – LGBT+ Specialist. Previously worked for Daily Star, The Sun, Brixton Blog and South West Londoner.
Three stories written this month include a in depth interview with LGBTQ+ activist Peter Tatchell ahead of the 50th anniversary of Gay Pride in the UK, an interview with an ex-Lieutenant Commander who had to keep his sexuality a secret in the Armed Forces for 20 years who lost his partner to AIDS two days before he left the Navy and a chat with the founder of The Gay Men’s Dance Company who offer professional training, pole dancing and a dance class in heels.
Got a story? You can reach me at [email protected] or DM me on Twitter @mattlspivey.
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