Renowned actor Haydn Gwynne, best known for her role as Alex Pates in the TV series “Drop the Dead Donkey,” passed away at 66 after battling cancer. Her agent shared that she died in the company of loved ones at the Royal Marsden and Brompton hospitals.

Gwynne had a successful career on stage and screen. She earned acclaim and award nominations for her role as a dance teacher in “Billy Elliot the Musical” and starred in several musical productions, including “City of Angels” and “The Threepenny Opera.”

Jack Thorne, who worked with Gwynne in “When Winston Went to War With the Wireless,” praised her as a kind and talented performer. Writer Jonathan Harvey described her as a versatile all-rounder.

In 2023, Gwynne withdrew from “Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.” Producer Cameron Mackintosh praised her for an unforgettable performance in the show.

Gwynne’s notable roles included Margaret Thatcher in “The Audience,” Lady Wishfort in “The Way of the World,” and various Shakespearean characters. She also portrayed regal figures in “The Windsors” and “The Crown.”

Haydn Gwynne, who began her career without drama school, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances. She had two sons with her partner, Jason Phipps.