🌟 Key Highlights: Remembering Haydn Gwynne 🌟
- Famous Actor Haydn Gwynne Passes Away at Age 66:
- The beloved actor, Haydn Gwynne, has left us at the age of 66 after fighting cancer.
- Recognized for Her Roles in Musicals and Shows:
- Haydn Gwynne earned praise for her performances in musicals like “City of Angels,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” (inspired by a movie by Pedro Almodóvar), and “The Threepenny Opera.”
- She received nominations for three Olivier awards in recognition of her incredible acting talent.
- Remembering Her Role in “The Crown”:
- Haydn Gwynne also graced our screens in the Netflix series “The Crown” where she portrayed Lady Susan Hussey, the lady-in-waiting to Queen Imelda Staunton.
Haydn Gwynne, the well-known actor, has passed away at the age of 66. She had been battling cancer. She was famous for playing the role of Alex Pates, the sharp-witted assistant editor in Channel 4’s comedy show “Drop the Dead Donkey.” She had a successful career in both theater and television.
Nominated for Awards
Haydn Gwynne also received nominations for prestigious awards for her role as a dance instructor in “Billy Elliot the Musical.” She was recognized with nominations for both the Tony and Olivier awards in London and New York. She also received three additional Olivier award nominations for her roles in musical productions like “City of Angels,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” and “The Threepenny Opera.”
Passing Away
Haydn Gwynne’s agent shared that she passed away in a hospital, surrounded by her beloved sons, immediate family, and close friends. The agent expressed gratitude for the excellent care provided by the medical staff at the Royal Marsden and Brompton hospitals in the last few weeks.
Tributes Pour In
Many people have paid tribute to Haydn Gwynne, including those who worked with her. Jack Thorne, who collaborated with her on the play “When Winston Went to War With the Wireless,” described her as a gifted and remarkably kind person. Writer Jonathan Harvey praised her as a talented and adaptable professional.
Renowned in Her Field
Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, expressed deep sorrow at her passing. He admired her work for a long time and had the honor of working with her on “The Threepenny Opera.” He praised her for her wit, audacity, elegance, and dedication to her craft.
A Versatile Performer
Haydn Gwynne was known for her ability to adapt to various roles. She played the role of a cunning gallerist in the BBC series “Sherlock” and had regular roles in shows like “Peak Practice” and “Merseybeat.”
Legacy
Haydn Gwynne’s legacy includes her memorable portrayal of “soap opera villainess” Camilla in Channel 4’s “The Windsors” and her role as Lady Susan Hussey in the Netflix series “The Crown.” Her career took off with her portrayal of Alex Pates in “Drop the Dead Donkey,” for which she received a Bafta Award nomination.

A Talented Start
Haydn Gwynne began her acting journey in her hometown in West Sussex, participating in amateur dramatic productions. She also took part in student theater at the Edinburgh Fringe while studying sociology at the University of Nottingham. After completing her degree, she worked as an English lecturer at the University of Rome. Surprisingly, she never attended a formal drama school for training.
Breakthrough Role
Her big break came in 1984 when she starred in Sandy Wilson’s musical play, “His Monkey Wife,” which was directed by Alan Ayckbourn in Scarborough. She partnered with Jason Phipps and raised their two sons.