SOAP STAR DEAD
June Brown dead aged 95 – EastEnders’ legend Dot Cotton dies after 2,884 episodes as chain-smoking TV favourite
EASTENDERS legend June Brown has died at the age of 95.
The TV favourite, who appeared in 2,884 episodes of the soap as chain-smoking Dot Cotton, passed away peacefully on Sunday.
11
11
11
The BBC announced the news this afternoon, with hailing June Brown, the actress behind one of the "most iconic characters."
Her family said she died "very peacefully at her home in , with her family by her side".
An EastEnders spokesperson said: "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 2884 episodes, June's remarkable performances created some of EastEnders finest moments."
READ MORE ON JUNE BROWN
They added: "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."
A statement from June's family, read: "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."
- Read our June Brown blog here for the latest news
June played chain-smoking Dot from 1985 until 2020, when her 35-year run on Albert Square ended.
The TV favourite was recently crowned the greatest soap character of all time, with Dot praised for her "indominable Great British spirit" which was "immediately identifiable" and a "testament to what a fantastic and talented actress June Brown is".
The actress' role as larger-than-life Dot was known for her devout Christian faith and hypochondria, as well as her endless cigarette addiction.
In 2008, she made history by becoming the first soap character to appear alone for an entire episode.
The veteran actress, who had a long career in television and theatre, arrived on Albert Square shortly after the soap began in 1985.
And aside from a break between 1993 and 1997, was a regular for more than three decades.
'A LEGENDARY LADY'
Today, tributes for the beloved actress poured in, with former co-stars and fans sharing in their heartbreak.
John Altman, who played Dot Cotton's son 'Nasty Nick', in EastEnders, said: "I shall miss my dear, dear friend. A legendary lady, a wonderful soul."
Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, said he was "lost for words" adding "June never was".
He wrote on Twitter: "Just purely and simply an incredible woman who had the most incredible life and career, I was fortunate to have shared a small part of it.
"They never made you a Dame (we did try), but to me you will always be Dame Brown."
Milly Zero, who plays Dot Cotton's granddaughter, Dotty Cotton, hailed her co-star an "artist" and "national treasure".
She tweeted: "Rest in perfect peace 'Grandma Dot'.
"I have never met anyone who cared about their craft so deeply.
"You will always live on in the hearts of everybody you touched."
The husband of June's late EastEnders co-star, Dame Barbara Windsor, said he was imagining his wife and her friend in heaven together.
Scott Mitchell said: "Not only was she a close, dear friend to Barbara and I, but I also had the privilege of being June's agent for a number of years.
"I am imagining a cloud in heaven with June, Barbara and Anna Karen now sitting on it.
"My advice to all angels nearby would be approach with caution."
Danniella Westbrook added: "My hearts broken... good bye my darling June brown xxx".
11
11
11
Brown served in the Women's Royal Naval Service at the end of the Second World War - and then left to train at London's Old Vic Theatre School in Lambeth.
Before joining EastEnders she had roles in , , Minder and The Bill, as well as costume dramas The Duchess Of Duke Street and Oliver Twist.
After joining Albert Square she also starred in comedy Ain't Misbehavin in 1997, and played Nanny Slagg in the BBC's production of Gormenghast in 2000.
She announced she was leaving EastEnders with little fanfare, revealing her decision on a podcast with a former co-star.
She made an emotional farewell from the show in January 2020, having not appeared in the soap for a month.
She left a voicemail for Sonia Fowler saying she had moved to Ireland.
Devastated fans at the time demanded a fitting farewell for the popular character, but at the time an EastEnders' spokesman said the door remained open for a comeback, appearing to leave the decision in Brown's hands.
TV ICON
Today, actor and writer Stephen Fry said remembered June "as a tireless and fearless LGBT ally".
He wrote on Twitter: "June Brown, amongst all her other wonderful human qualities and achievements, will be remembered as a tireless and fearless LGBT ally - especially during the darkest days of HIV/AIDS and Section 28... it was a privilege to know her."
Some of Dot's biggest storylines explored controversial issues such as euthanasia, cancer and homophobia.
Her marriage to Jim Branning, played by John Bardon, was popular among fans - while she was also mother to the notorious criminal Nick Cotton, played by John Altman.
June won several awards for her portrayal of Dot, including a lifetime achievement honour at the 2005 British Soap Awards.
In 2009, she was nominated for the best actress prize at the TV Baftas for her standalone episode of the soap.
In December 2021 Brown was made an OBE in the New Year Honours, as she was recognised for services to drama and to charity.
She was previously made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2008 for services to drama and charity.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
Brown married her first husband, John Garley, in 1950.
After his death she married actor Robert Arnold in 1958 and had six children with him.
11
11
11
11
11
Topics