GRANGE Hill star and pioneering actress Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79.
Sylvestre, who played a social worker in the TV drama series, also appeared in Channel 5’s reboot of All Creatures Great and Small.
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Cleo Sylvestre at Grange Hill. She has starred in TV programs including The Bill, New Tricks, Till Death Do Us Part, Doctors, Coronation Street and Doctor WhoCredit: BBC
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Grange Hill star Cleo Sylvestre (pictured in 2010) has died aged 79
She has starred in The Bill, New Tricks, Till Death Do Us Part, Doctors, Coronation Street and Doctor Who, and was made an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honors for services to drama and charity.
Sylvestre was known for being the first black actress to take a lead role at the National Theatre, appearing in Peter Nichols’ satire The National Health in 1969.
Fulcrum Talent, her agents, told BBC News: “Much loved and respected by her peers, she will be remembered as a champion and a true friend.
“She will be greatly missed by many. Please respect her family’s privacy at this difficult time.”
Sylvestre also released a version of To Know Him is to Love Him in 1964 during a brief singing career.
The song featured The Rolling Stones on backing vocals.
Sylvestre was born in April 1945 and grew up in Camden before pursuing an acting career.
She worked regularly with British film director and screenwriter Ken Loach, including on his first film Poor Cow and later productions Up the Junction and Cathy Come Home.
She was cast in ITV’s Crossroads – playing Meg Richardson’s adopted daughter Melanie – after being spotted by producer Reg Watson, following her appearance in BBC Two’s Some Women.
Her appearance on the popular soap opera between 1970 and 1972 helped make her a national celebrity.
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At that time, it was watched by about 15 million viewers.
The actresses are showered with tributes on the Internet.
Playwright Bonnie Greer wrote on X: “Actor #CleoSylvestreMBE has passed.
“She was one of the reasons why – from my position in New York – I thought this country had the best Anglophone theater… and the best place to be a #BlackWoman.
“I still think so. Thank you, Cleo!”
Sylvestre’s daughter, Zoe Laureen Palmer, retweeted the tribute and wrote her own.
She said: “Our beloved, inspirational mum @CleoSylvestre passed this morning.
“Thank you to the @NHSHomerton and #therlh teams who looked after her so brilliantly over the past three weeks.
“Rest in strength mom, see you on the dance floor.”
One fan wrote: “RIP Cleo Sylvestre. One of the first black actresses to have a role in a British soap opera. Crossroads in the 1960s… Sad to hear this.”
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Cleo Sylvestre in London on May 4, 1970. Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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