Remembering Haydn Gwynne: Versatile Star of “The Crown” and “Drop the Dead Donkey”

Haydn Gwynne, the talented actress known for her remarkable performances in “The Crown” and “Drop the Dead Donkey,” has sadly passed away at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with cancer. The news of her demise comes as a poignant reminder of her significant contributions to both stage and screen.

Announcing this heartbreaking news, her agent released a statement saying, “It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday, 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family, and friends. We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks.”

Haydn Gwynne’s career was marked by numerous remarkable performances. She played the role of Lady Susan Hussey in the widely acclaimed Netflix series, “The Crown.” Her acting prowess left a lasting impact on audiences.

One of her most iconic roles came in the 1990s, in the Channel 4 show “Drop the Dead Donkey,” where she portrayed the character Alex Pates. Her performance in this series garnered immense praise and further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress.

In the satirical series “The Windsors,” alongside Harry Enfield, she brought Camilla to life, showcasing her ability to excel in a wide range of roles. Her dedication and talent in the industry earned her both a BAFTA nomination and a Tony Award nomination for her role in “Billy Elliot the Musical” on London’s West End.

Haydn’s most cherished and notable role in “Billy Elliot the Musical” was as the dance teacher of the titular character. She was due to return to the stage last month; however, her battle with cancer forced her to withdraw from the production.

Born in Sussex in 1957, Haydn Gwynne pursued her passion for academia before venturing into acting. She attended the University of Nottingham, where she studied sociology. Later, she embarked on a five-year lectureship in Italy at the University of Rome La Sapienza, where she shared her expertise by teaching English as a foreign language.

Her acting journey began with her role as feminist lecturer Dr. Robyn Penrose in the BBC mini-series adaptation of David Lodge’s “Nice Work” in 1989. Over the years, she left her mark in various productions, including the 1991 Children’s ITV science-fiction series “Time Riders” and “Peak Practice.” Her versatility shone through as she portrayed Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Audience.”

Haydn’s talent extended beyond the screen. She graced numerous theater productions with her presence, showcasing her immense acting capabilities. Her roles in plays such as “Hedda Gabler” and “City of Angels” demonstrated her range and artistic depth.

In her personal life, Haydn lived in London with her partner Jason Phipps and their two sons. Her legacy in the world of entertainment will continue to shine brightly, and she will be remembered fondly for her remarkable contributions to the arts.