LEGENDARY actress Jean Boht has tragically died at the age of 91 after a battle with dementia – just weeks after the death of her husband.
The actress rose to fame playing Nellie ‘Ma’ Boswell in the hit 80s sitcom Bread from 1986 to 1991.
5
Last picture of Jean Boht with her late husband Carl Davis Credit: BackGrid
5
Jean Boht has died at the age of 91 Credit: Getty
5
Boht with her late husband Carl Davis Credit: Getty
5
Actress as Nellie Boswell in BreadCredit: Getty
The series attracted 21 million viewers with its portrayal of Nellie and her children after their father Freddie abandons them.
In a statement, her family revealed that Boht died tragically after a battle with vascular dementia.
Her death comes just over a month after the death of her husband, American composer Carl Davis.
Boht’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday, Tuesday 12 September.
“Jean fought vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with the tireless spirit for which she was both loved and known.
“She was a resident of Denville Hall, a home for members of the theatrical profession.”
In 2021, Boht told the Liverpool Echo that she was too nervous to watch Bread while she was still working.
She said: “I never watched it at the time, it’s too horrible for the actors to see themselves on screen.
“So I had no idea what it looked like.
“But now when I catch him, I’m amazed at how good he was and how funny he was.
“I can understand why the public liked it so much.
“But there were so many great shows and characters back then.”
Boht’s first major role was in two episodes of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave Em in 1978.
The star has also appeared in Last Of The Summer Wine, Brighton Belles, Doctors, Grange Hill, Juliet Bravo and Boys From The Blackstuff.
She was born in Bebington and attended Wirral Grammar School for Girls.
She and Davis had two daughters, Hannah and Jessie, after they married in 1970.
The couple lived in Windsor, Berkshire for many years.
Paul Edwards from Dementia UK said: “We are sorry to hear that Jean Boht has passed away as she had lived with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia for several years and we send our condolences to her family.
“By discussing Jean’s experiences publicly, her family will help raise awareness of dementia and Alzheimer’s, encouraging them to seek the support they need for this condition.
“We are grateful for their honesty and hope they are getting the support they need at this difficult time.
“We urge families affected by dementia to contact our specialist helpline.
“Staffed by dementia specialists Admiral Nurses, our helpline offers support and guidance through all stages of dementia, including grieving a loved one.”
Anyone affected by dementia can contact the helpline by calling 0800 888 6678 or emailing [email protected].
5
Boht at a reception at Lancaster House in 2016. Credit: Getty
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education