Josephine Melville, a British actress known for her role as Tessa Parker in the long-running soap opera “EastEnders,” died Thursday backstage at a theater after performing in a play. She was 61.
According to Nottingham Playhouse, Melville died after appearing in a production of “Nine Night,” the BBC reported. Theater officials said she was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.
“The entire company and staff at both theaters are in a state of shock,” theater officials told SkyNews. “Josephine was a truly wonderful and well-loved person, a revered and deeply respected performer, director, producer, archivist and writer, and a tremendous Auntie Maggie in ‘Nine Night.’”
We are deeply saddened that last night (20 Oct) the actor Josephine Melville, passed away following the performance of Nine Night, our co-production with Leeds Playhouse.
— Nottingham Playhouse (@NottmPlayhouse) October 21, 2022
Our thoughts and deep condolences are with her family and loved ones. https://t.co/O9qnBGXqkR pic.twitter.com/h1pCfchXPh
Melville appeared in eight episodes of “EastEnders,” according to IMDb.com. She played the girlfriend of Kelvin Carpenter in 1986, the BBC reported.
Earlier this year, she appeared in the video for Ella Henderson’s single, “Brave,” according to the news outlet.
Melville’s acting credits included roles in “The Bill” (1995) and “Casualty” (2005), according to IMDb.com.
All remaining performances of “Nine Night” at the Nottingham Playhouse have been canceled, according to Deadline.
Josephine Melville, who played Tess Parker in EastEnders, died after appearing in a performance of Nine Night on Thursday, Nottingham Playhouse said https://t.co/H4VD5TMSSS
— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 22, 2022
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