Dame June Whitfield, the actress known for her work as Edina’s snarky mother on the British ’90s sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous” and as Minnie the Menace on “Doctor Who,” has died. She was 92.
Whitfield passed “peacefully” on Friday night, her agent told BBC.
Born in London, the actress’ career stretched back to the 1940s and included roles in the “Carry On” film franchise and the sitcom “Terry and June,” which ran from 1979-1987. Whitman also had appearances in 2016’s “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie,” “Friends,” “East Enders,” and was featured in more more than 1,300 radio and television shows.
Fellow “Absolutely Fabulous” actresses lead the tributes to the late actress, who was made a Dame — a title equivalent to the rank of knight — in 2017.
Joanna Lumley, who played Whitfield’s daughter, told ITV News: “I am heartbroken to lose such a darling friend and shall never forget her sensational talent, humour and her generosity to us all who had the joy of working with her on Ab Fab. She will always have a most special place in my heart.”
Helen Lederer wrote, “To add to tributes – June Whitfield during #AbsolutelyFabulous – a wizz at the crossword , perfection with feed lines and kindness itself.”
Julia Sawalha, who played her granddaughter, wrote: “Thank you #damejunewhitfield,for teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity.I always wanted you to know how in awe of you I was, however, you were always far too humble to accept my adoration.You were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran.”
Whitfield, who was married to Tim Aitchison from 1955 until his death in 2001, is survived by her daughter Suzy.