Veteran British actress Sylvia Syms has died at age 89.
Syms rose to fame 1950s for her role in the war movie “Ice Cold in Alex,” later going on to appear in notable British TV shows and films, including “No Trees in the Street,” “Doctor Who,” “Peak Practice,” “EastEnders” and the 1960s series “The Saint.”
Syms also gained global recognition for her roles as notable UK figures, most notably former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “Thatcher: The Final Days” and The Queen Mother in the 2006 royal biopic “The Queen,” the latter opposite Oscar-winner Helen Mirren in the lead role.
Syms last appeared on screen just a few years ago in a guest role on the BBC/HBO period drama series “Gentleman Jack” in 2019.
The actress was also known for her charity work and was made an OBE — Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire — by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2007.
Syms attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she received the Gerald Lawrence Scholarship and an HM Tenants Award and was instantly propelled to stardom — and a successful career that spanned more than six decades — after graduating.
Her family told Sky News that she “died peacefully” early Friday at Denville Hall, a care home in London for those in the entertainment industry.
“She has lived an amazing life and gave us joy and laughter right up to the end,” her children, Beatie and Ben Edney, said in a statement to the outlet.
“Just yesterday we were reminiscing together about all our adventures. She will be so very missed,” the statement continued. “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Denville Hall for the truly excellent care they have taken of our mum over the past year.”
