Haydn Gwynne was a British actress known for her roles in television shows such as “Nice Work,” “Drop the Dead Donkey,” and the musical “Billy Elliot.” She had a talent for performing that earned her several award nominations throughout her career.
Personal and Family Life
Haydn Gwynne was born on March 21, 1957, in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, England. She was married to Jason Phipps, a psychotherapist, and they had two sons together, Orlando and Harry. Gwynne was fluent in both French and Italian, having studied Modern Languages at the University of Warwick before teaching English in Italy.
Career
Gwynne first gained recognition on television in the late 1980s with shows like “Nice Work” and “Drop the Dead Donkey.” Later, she became well-known for her roles in the medical series “Peak Practice” and police drama “Merseybeat.” In addition to her television work, she also starred in stage musicals such as “Billy Elliot” and “Ziegfeld,” receiving critical acclaim for her performances.
Death and Legacy
Haydn Gwynne passed away on October 20, 2023, in Chelsea, London, due to cancer. She is remembered for her impactful performances on screen and stage, as well as her contributions to charitable causes, including volunteering for Sightsavers, which focuses on preventing blindness in developing countries.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Secret | 2002-04-13 | Emma Faraday |
| National Theatre Live: The Audience | 2013-06-12 | Margaret Thatcher |
| Pride and Prejudice: Having a Ball | 2013-05-10 | Jane Austen |
| The Merchant of Venice | 1996-01-01 | Portia |
| The C-Word | 2015-05-03 | Jane McFarlane |
| National Theatre Live: The Threepenny Opera | 2016-09-22 | Celia Peachum |
| Rome | 2005-08-28 | Calpurnia |
| Peak Practice | 1993-05-10 | Dr. Joanna Graham |
| The Crown | 2016-11-04 | Lady Susan Hussey |