June Brown, the veteran actress best known for her decades-long stint as Dot Cotton in EastEnders, has died at the age of 95.
Brown, who played Cotton for 30 years until 2020, also appeared in Coronation Street earlier in her career – playing the mother of Tony Parsons, Mrs Parsons, in August 1970 and February 1971.
She was awarded an MBE in 2008 and in the same year became British soaps’ first-ever actor to carry an entire episode by themselves. The BBC announced that she died on Sunday “very peacefully” at her home.
Brown was born in Needham Market, Suffolk, in 1927, the son of a businessman and a milliner and one of five children. During World War Two she served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, before heading to the Old Vic Theatre School in London to train.
She worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company for many years, with appearances alongside names inlcuding Alec Guinness and John Gielgud.
Having appeared in Corrie, as well as in shows including Doctor Who and Play For Today, she made her first appearance on EastEnders in her late 50s.
She quickly became a favourite, joining originally for three months but staying much longer. She took a hiatus in 1993 and returned four years later, staying until 2020 when she confirmed she had left “for good”.
A spokesperson for EastEnders 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.”
Tim Davie, BBC Director General, added: “June Brown was a brilliantly talented actor who was loved by millions. Her performances as the incomparable Dot Cotton delivered some of the most memorable moments in soap history.”
“Our thoughts are with her family and many friends.”
