Actress Joanna Bacon, finest recognized for her roles in “Love Actually” and the British cleaning soap opera “EastEnders,” has died at age 72.
Bacon misplaced her “short and brave” battle to most cancers on June 14 — six months after her prognosis. A funeral was held for the actress on July 15, the UK-based Harlow Theatre Firm introduced.
“It is with much sadness that we inform our HTC members past and present of the passing of Jo Bacon on June 14th following a short and brave battle against cancer,” the theater firm stated in a assertion.
“Many of our members will remember Jo and her force of nature, her wit, her fun, her passion and her natural ability as an actor. She became a member of Harlow Theatre Company at its inception in 1978.”
“She appeared in many plays in iconic roles such as Portia in The Merchant of Venice, Maddie in Dirty Linen and Beverly in Abigail’s Party along with reviews, musicals and pantomimes all at the Harlow Playhouse,” the assertion concluded.
Bacon boasted a slew of TV credit within the UK, together with the hit cleaning soap “EastEnders,” “Casualty,” “Prime Suspect,” “The Bill” and “Little Britain” — although she notably secured a task within the hit 2003 movie “Love Actually.”
Within the movie, Bacon portrayed the mom of Natalie (performed by Martine McCutcheon) and appeared in a memorable scene alongside Hugh Grant wherein his character reveals up at her door in an try and win her again.
Extra lately, Bacon starred alongside “Sex and the City” star Cynthia Nixon within the 2016 movie “A Quiet Passion,” in addition to the hit TV present “Breeders” wherein she performed the position of Jackie, the mom of Martin Freeman’s character, Paul.
Bacon shortly grew to become a fan favourite within the collection, which ran from 2020 to 2023. Throughout the present’s 4 seasons, the actress was showered with reward for her darkish comedy efficiency.
Bacon’s family members paid tribute to her on the poignant funeral service held within the UK on Tuesday.
“Jo will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. She continued to support HTC attending many of our productions,” the theater firm stated.
“She would settle herself in the front row with a notebook and watched with a critical eye and her passion for theatre. She never forgot to praise our work.”
Talking in early 2025, shortly after receiving her most cancers prognosis, Bacon stated she has been lucky sufficient to have had a “brilliant life.”
“I have been so lucky to do the things I have done and to have met the wonderful people I have met. I have no regrets,” she stated.
