Una Stubbs.Photo: Dave Benett/Getty
Una Stubbs — the English actress known for her work in iconic British shows such asSherlock,EastEndersandTill Death Do Us Part— has died. She was 84.
Stubbs died on Thursday following an illness, her longtime agent, Rebecca Blond, toldBBC News.
“Mum passed away quietly today with her family around her, in Edinburgh,” a statement from her family read. “We ask for privacy and understanding at this most difficult and sad of times.”
Stubbs had an illustrious acting career spanning over 50 years, making her big break in the 1963 filmSummer Holiday, which starred Cliff Richard, before landing the part of Rita Rawlins inTill Death Us Do Part.
She reprised her role in the sitcom’s follow-upsTill Death…andIn Sickness and in Health.
Benedict Cumberbatch (left) and Una Stubbs (right) inSherlock.BBC/Hartswood Films /Everett
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Stubbs appeared opposite ofBenedict CumberbatchandMartin Freemanin all 13 episodes ofSherlock, as well as the 93-minute special “The Abominable Bride,” playing the titular detective’s landlady Mrs. Hudson.
In addition to her work in television, Stubbs was also a gifted actress on stage.
“We are desperately sad to have lost not only a wonderful actress, whose screen and stage career, spanning over 50 years, was so extraordinarily varied, fromTill Death Us Do ParttoSherlock, as well as memorable performances in the West End, at the Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Sheffield Crucible and National Theatre, but also a wickedly funny, elegant, stylish, graceful, gracious and kind and constant friend,” Blond told BBC News.
“She was also a highly respected and exhibited artist,” she added of Stubbs.
In the wake of Stubbs' death, many of her former costars and colleagues have taken to social media to pay their respects.
In a tribute,Steven Moffatwrote on his Instagram: “The loveliest light on Baker Street has gone out.”
“What a woman, what a talent, what a star - and just about the kindest, nicest, funniest person you could meet,” Moffat, who co-created the series with Gatiss, continued. “I don’t know how anyone even starts summing up that career - Till Death Us Do Part, Fawlty Towers, the incomparable Aunt Sally in Worzel Gummidge … and, of course, the irreplaceable heart and soul of Sherlock.”
“Very sad to hear the news of Una Stubbs passing,” formerThe Worst WitchactressJessica Foxtweeted. “She played Miss Bat in the version of the worst witch I was part of. I always remember Una as being so kind and caring of the younger cast. She was very quick, funny and incredibly professional.”
source: people.com
