Josephine Tewson, who was most remembered for playing Hyacinth Bucket’s patient neighbour on the television series Keeping Up Appearances, passed away at the age of 91.
The television veteran, who played Miss Davenport in Last of the Summer Wine, had a career on stage and on film starting in the 1950s.
How did Keeping Up Appearances star Josephine Tewson die?
Actress Josephine Tewson, well known for her roles in beloved television series including Last of the Summer Wine and Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the age of 91.
In a statement on Friday, her agent confirmed the information.
It said, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the demise of Josephine Tewson.”
Josephine Tewson cause of death
At the age of 91, Josephine passed away quietly yesterday night at Denville Hall.
Our announcement of Josephine Tewson’s passing is made with deep regret, according to a statement from her agent Jean Diamond of Diamond Management.
Who was Josephine Tewson?
Tewson, who was born in London’s Hampstead in 1931, first attended grammar school before enrolling in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada), where she eventually earned her degree in 1952.
She received small roles in 1960s television programmes like Z-Cars and the Charlie Drake Show.
Prior to their 1961 divorce, she was also married for three years to fellow actor Leonard Rossiter.
Her breakthrough performance came in the 1979 film Shelley as Edna “Mrs H” Hawkins. She appeared in six seasons of the Peter Tilbury-written and produced sitcom that aired in the 1980s and early 1990s and also starred Hywel Bennett, Warren Clarke, and Belinda Sinclair.
Other roles included recurring roles on David Frost on Sunday and Gark at Barker with comedic legends Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker, as well as cameos on the police drama Z-Cars and The Charlie Drake Show.
Josephine Tewson career
Following her graduation from RADA in 1952, Tewson enjoyed a long career on stage and screen. Some of her most well-known performances include Elizabeth Warden, Hyacinth Bucket’s patient neighbour and reluctant confidante on Keeping Up Appearances, as well as later on-off appearances in Last of the Summer Wine as Miss Davenport.
She frequently appeared on David Frost on Sunday, Gark at Barker, the police drama Z-Cars, and The Charlie Drake Show alongside comic greats Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker.
As Edna “Mrs H” Hawkins in the first six episodes of Peter Tilbury’s sitcom Shelley, which also starred Hywel Bennett, Warren Clarke, and Belinda Sinclair, Tewson played her first significant role.
She collaborated once more with Ronnie Barker in 1988 on the film Clarence, which was to be his final production before he left the industry. Barker had created a role specifically for her.
Josephine Tewson recent projects
Before she retired, she worked on Clarence in 1988, which was her final assignment.
In the adored BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, she was most recognised for her role as the realistic Elizabeth Warden, Hyacinth Bucket’s neighbour and reluctant confidante.
The show’s creator, Roy Clarke, also gave Tewson her most memorable late-career performance as Miss Davenport in Last of the Summer Wine from 2003 to 2010.
She debuted her one-woman show, Still Keeping Up Appearances?, in 2012. and conducted a UK-wide tour.
Haydn Morley, who led Sheffield Wednesday in the 1890 FA Cup Final, was her grandfather.
Prior to their divorce in the 1960s, she was married to Rising Damp actor Leonard Rossiter. In the 1970s, she later wed Henry Newman. 1980 saw his passing.
Tribute to Josephine Tewson
Carol Challis, the late actor John Challis’ wife, honoured him by posting a photo of him and Tewson from the British sitcom Last of the Summer Wine.
On social media, she posted: “Farewell to Josephine Tewson. John cherished their collaboration on Last of the Summer Wine. One more gone.”
Debbie Arnold, a former EastEnders actress, also paid tribute to the “comedy great.”
Bruce Montague and Josephine Tewson were both outstanding actors who passed away recently. April Branning was portrayed by Arnold, 67, in the 1990s.
‘So sad we lost 2 wonderful people firstly Bruce Montague and now 2 days later – Josephine Tewson
Former EastEnders actress Debbie Arnold
@JudyBuxton7 and I had the honour of travelling the world and Uk with these comedy greats ending up in the West End. We had such fun. I adored Jo
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Judy Buxton and I had the privilege of touring the world and the UK before performing in the West End alongside these legendary comedians. We had a blast. I cherished Jo.
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