June Whitfield ( 1925-2018)
One of the finest and fabulous actresses of the 20th century, June Whitfield died on December 29, 2018.
June Whitfield was a famous English actress. She was born on November 11, 1925, in Streatham, London. During her career as an actress, she appeared in numerous television shows and feature films.
The death of this wonderful actress was so sudden and shocking for everyone.
She became famous for supporting roles in Hancock’s Half Hour TV series, alongside Tony Hancock and Sid James, Terry, and June sitcom where she played opposite Terry Scott, and Absolutely Fabulous portrayed Edina Monsoon’s mother Saffron Monsoon.
But besides all these characters that make us laugh hard, let us not forget about the other side of this wonderful talented actress
June Whitfield, who died at the age of 93, is known for her roles in the television shows Absolutely Fabulous and Terry & June.
June was first on British TV screens as a chaperone to Reggie and Ronnie Kray’s girlfriends (Julie Walters and Jenny Quayle) in the 1990s The Krays movie. She also won plaudits for her performance as Lady Prudence Fairfax opposite Maggie Smith’s Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
Whitfield began her career as a stage actress at the age of 17 before moving into radio and then various TV dramas such as Dad’s Army, Are You Being Served? , Rising Damp and Butley. Most recently she appeared as Nan in BBC One sitcom Benidorm.
She also had a supporting role in Absolutely Fabulous as the mother of Jennifer Saunders’ character Edina, Saffron Monsoon. Whitfield was chosen to appear in the sitcom after being suggested by Saunders herself. She reprised the role 20 years later for a special BAFTA tribute episode following Lumley’s death in 2018.
The last project she worked on was December 2017 comedy-drama MotherFatherSon, which will air this year on BBC One and stars Richard Gere and Helen McCrory. June appeared alongside veteran actors Brendan Coyle ( Downton Abbey, Bridget Jones’ Baby ) and Lesley Manville ( Phantom Thread ).
Many celebrities expressed their sadness at her death;
Stephen Fry wrote: “So sad to hear that June Whitfield has died. Her roles in countless classic sitcoms, comedy-dramas, and wonderful stage performances made her a most beloved figure in British entertainment.”
Fry added: “Actors everywhere are grateful for her huge contribution.”
Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley said: “Shocked and so sad to hear of the death of a dear friend, great actress and one of the funniest ever. It was always a delight to be in her company.”
Comedian David Walliams mentioned she had played an important part in his life after growing up on television with his family at home. He also wrote how he was looking forward to seeing June again on New Year’s Eve when they planned to discuss Spitting Image, which they both appeared in back in the 1980s.
Whitfield was an actress of great ability and strength, like many others she passed away, but she will always be remembered for her amazing work that contributed to our laughter.
From the 1950s to the 1970s, Whitfield worked mostly behind the scenes as a voice actor for children’s animated cartoons such as “The Perishers” and “Snooper and Blabber”. In 1977 however, she landed a role on the British sitcom Terry and June where she played June alongside comedian Terry Scot. This would be the first time many Britons saw or heard of her.
