Josephine Melville Wiki
Josephine Melville Biography
Former EastEnders actress Josephine Melville has died backstage after performing in a play.
The TV star, best known for playing Tess Parker in the 1980s, was immediately helped by a lifeguard and a medically trained member of the public.
She was acting as Aunt Maggie in a production of Nine Night at the Nottingham Playhouse. The theater staff was in shock last night.
Melville also starred in singer Ella Henderson’s Brave music video earlier this year.
Loose Women panelist Denise Welch, 64, called her “a wonderful actress” in a tribute, adding: “So sad.”
Her co-star Andrea Davy, who played Trudy, said, “It’s a pleasure and an honor to work with you, Josephine. RIP.
Family
Our Nine Night family is lost without you. One love, Aunt Maggie! Trudy”
Bridgerton star Adjoah Andoh, 59, who also appeared in EastEnders, wrote: “Ach… I’m so shocked. Wonderful actress. Amazing comedic moment.
“Part of a community of artists who understood the power of black stories. All blessings and condolences to the family. Full of light, rest in your power Jo”
Actor Michael Maris added: “Very sad. [She] was always nice and helpful to me.”
Nottingham Playhouse said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that last night actress Josephine Melville passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse following the performance of Nine Night, in which she starred.
“Josephine’s family have been informed and our thoughts and deep condolences go out to them.
“Josephine received immediate assistance from Nottingham Playhouse lifeguards and a medically qualified member of the Nine Night audience.
“Josephine was a truly wonderful and much-loved person, a revered and deeply respected performer, director, producer, archivist and writer, and a tremendous Aunt Maggie on Nine Night.
“We are offering our full support to her family, our on-stage and production team and all staff at this terrible time.”
Nottingham Playhouse chief executive Stephanie Sirr said: “We send our love and condolences to Jo’s family and friends.
“On a deeply tragic and extremely difficult evening, we want to pay tribute to the Nine Night company and the entire Nottingham Playhouse team who handled the situation with empathy and professionalism.”
