Josephine Melville, the actress and director best known for her work on British soap opera, EastEnders, collapsed and died backstage at a theater after a performance.
No cause of death was given.
Melville had been appearing as Aunt Maggie in a production of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse.
The theater said the actor was treated by paramedics and a medically qualified audience member but died after performing on Thursday.
In a statement posted on Twitter, it said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that last night the actor Josephine Melville passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse following the performance of the play Nine Night,” in which she was performing.
The Nottingham Playhouse also canceled the remaining performances of the play.
Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh tweeted: “Ach … I’m so shocked. A wonderful actress. Amazing comic timing. Part of a community of artists who understood the power of black stories. All blessings & condolences to the family. Full of light, rest in your power Jo.”
