Beloved soap star Meg Johnson passes away at 86 following a valiant battle with dementia
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It is with great sadness that we at the Seniors Discount Club have to report the passing of soap opera luminary Meg Johnson, at the age of 86, following a valiant battle with dementia over the last few years.
Meg, beloved for her top-notch performance as the charming Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale, will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by her fans and respected for her significant contribution to television.
Meg Johnson's passing was confirmed through an emotional joint statement from her family, her talent agency, and the ITV show Emmerdale, stating, 'Meg was a kind and wonderful lady, full of warmth and always with a twinkle in her eye. Meg had an outstanding career that ended with her playing Pearl Ladderbanks from 2003.'
'Meg had dementia for the last few years but battled on personally and professionally regardless. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.'
Born in Manchester in 1936, Johnson had a diverse career in television before making her debut on Coronation Street in 1976 as Brenda Holden. She later joined the soap's cast as Eunice Gee in 1981, reprising the role several times over the next two decades.
During the mid-1980s, she also appeared in Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV, alongside the late comedian, as well as Dame Julie Walters and Celia Imrie.
In 1997, Johnson showcased her talents on the stage as part of the original cast of the London revival of Chicago. She portrayed the prison warder Matron Mama Morton for over a year, leaving a lasting impression.
In 2000, she landed the role of Brigid McKenna in Channel 4's Brookside and played the character until the soap's cancellation in 2003. Following this, she moved on to Emmerdale, where she captivated audiences for an impressive 17 years as the beloved character Pearl Ladderbanks.
Johnson was married to Charles Foster, an ITV Granada continuity announcer. Foster passed away earlier in 2023.
Credit: Emmerdale.
Numerous soap stars took to social media to express their condolences for Johnson, including Danny Miller, renowned for portraying Aaron Dingle in the long-standing ITV soap, which has garnered a devoted following.
Miller, who triumphed as the victor in the 2021 edition of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, shared his heartfelt sentiments on Twitter: 'Truly devastated to hear this. Pearl was a fair way to describe our lovely Meg.'
He further expressed that she was 'cherished by everyone in the building' and that they shared countless laughter-filled moments together.
Gemma Oaten, a former Emmerdale star who portrayed Rachel Breckle from 2011 to 2015, paid tribute to Johnson and other departed cast members Shirley Stelfox, Freddie Jones, and Richard Thorp, stating that they would take care of her in the afterlife.
On Twitter, Oaten conveyed her profound affection for the Emmerdale family and Johnson's loved ones: 'Sending so much love to the Emmerdale family and family of the late and great Meg Johnson. A beautiful woman inside and out, who was always so kind to me during my #Emmerdale days.'
She added, 'Such a sad loss, but what a life and what a treasure she was. She was always so kind (and wickedly funny!).'
Meg Johnson's remarkable journey in the world of dramatic arts may have ended, but her courageous battle against dementia and the profound legacy she leaves behind resonate deeply. Despite her personal struggles, Meg's portrayal of Pearl radiated authenticity, capturing the hearts of countless viewers.
As we mourn the loss of Meg Johnson, we at the SDC extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and devoted fans. She will be remembered as a beloved actress and a resilient, vibrant woman whose warmth and inner strength will continue to inspire. Meg's legacy is undeniably enduring.
May she rest in peace.
Meg, beloved for her top-notch performance as the charming Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale, will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by her fans and respected for her significant contribution to television.
Meg Johnson's passing was confirmed through an emotional joint statement from her family, her talent agency, and the ITV show Emmerdale, stating, 'Meg was a kind and wonderful lady, full of warmth and always with a twinkle in her eye. Meg had an outstanding career that ended with her playing Pearl Ladderbanks from 2003.'
'Meg had dementia for the last few years but battled on personally and professionally regardless. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.'
Meg Johnson passed away at the age of 86 following a courageous battle with dementia over the past few years. Credit: YouTube/Emmerdale.
Born in Manchester in 1936, Johnson had a diverse career in television before making her debut on Coronation Street in 1976 as Brenda Holden. She later joined the soap's cast as Eunice Gee in 1981, reprising the role several times over the next two decades.
During the mid-1980s, she also appeared in Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV, alongside the late comedian, as well as Dame Julie Walters and Celia Imrie.
In 1997, Johnson showcased her talents on the stage as part of the original cast of the London revival of Chicago. She portrayed the prison warder Matron Mama Morton for over a year, leaving a lasting impression.
In 2000, she landed the role of Brigid McKenna in Channel 4's Brookside and played the character until the soap's cancellation in 2003. Following this, she moved on to Emmerdale, where she captivated audiences for an impressive 17 years as the beloved character Pearl Ladderbanks.
Johnson was married to Charles Foster, an ITV Granada continuity announcer. Foster passed away earlier in 2023.
Credit: Emmerdale.
Numerous soap stars took to social media to express their condolences for Johnson, including Danny Miller, renowned for portraying Aaron Dingle in the long-standing ITV soap, which has garnered a devoted following.
Miller, who triumphed as the victor in the 2021 edition of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, shared his heartfelt sentiments on Twitter: 'Truly devastated to hear this. Pearl was a fair way to describe our lovely Meg.'
He further expressed that she was 'cherished by everyone in the building' and that they shared countless laughter-filled moments together.
Gemma Oaten, a former Emmerdale star who portrayed Rachel Breckle from 2011 to 2015, paid tribute to Johnson and other departed cast members Shirley Stelfox, Freddie Jones, and Richard Thorp, stating that they would take care of her in the afterlife.
On Twitter, Oaten conveyed her profound affection for the Emmerdale family and Johnson's loved ones: 'Sending so much love to the Emmerdale family and family of the late and great Meg Johnson. A beautiful woman inside and out, who was always so kind to me during my #Emmerdale days.'
She added, 'Such a sad loss, but what a life and what a treasure she was. She was always so kind (and wickedly funny!).'
Meg Johnson's remarkable journey in the world of dramatic arts may have ended, but her courageous battle against dementia and the profound legacy she leaves behind resonate deeply. Despite her personal struggles, Meg's portrayal of Pearl radiated authenticity, capturing the hearts of countless viewers.
As we mourn the loss of Meg Johnson, we at the SDC extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and devoted fans. She will be remembered as a beloved actress and a resilient, vibrant woman whose warmth and inner strength will continue to inspire. Meg's legacy is undeniably enduring.
May she rest in peace.
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