Remembering the lives of actress Haydn Gwynne (66) and actor Leslie Dayman (85)
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It was a sad weekend for the entertainment world as the news of the passing of two beloved stars was released.
Revered British actress Haydn Gwynne passed away on October 20th at age 66 after a battle with cancer.
On the same day, renowned TV personality Leslie Dayman bid his adieu to the world at the age of 85.
Gwynne’s agent confirmed the news saying: 'It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday, 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family, and friends.'
'We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks.'
Gwynne was perhaps best known for her role as Lady Susan Hussey in the hit Netflix series The Crown, though her decades-long career on stage and screen cemented her status as a national treasure.
Born in Sussex in 1957, Haydn Gwynne studied sociology at the University of Nottingham. She then spent five years teaching English as a foreign language at the University of Rome La Sapienza in Italy.
Early roles on British television included feminist lecturer Dr Robyn Penrose in the BBC miniseries dramatisation of David Lodge’s Nice Work in 1989.
She then appeared on the science-fiction series Time Riders (1991) as Dr. B. B. Miller and Peak Practice (1993) as Dr Joanna Graham.
Haydn was also praised for her role as Alex Pates in the show Drop the Dead Donkey.
Apart from The Crown, Haydn also played Camilla in The Windsors alongside Harry Enfield.
Outside of TV shows, Haydn appeared in a string of theatre productions such as Hedda Gabler and City of Angels.
The actress also earned a BAFTA and Tony Award nomination for her role in the West End Musical Billy Elliot, where she played the titular character’s dance teacher.
Haydn was set to return to the stage last month but was forced to pull out after being diagnosed with cancer.
Tributes to the beloved actress have poured on social media.
'Thinking of her family, friends & all those who will miss this fiercely talented lady,' said the Sondheim Society, a UK-based charity.
Actor Ian McKellen also shared his thoughts saying: 'From Billy Elliott onstage to The Windsors and so much more onscreen, Haydn Gwynne was a total original. Every performance was matchless.'
Source: X/@JoshHandleyy.
Source: X/@mrcarl_woodward.
Source: X/@GeorgieWestall.
Haydn is survived by her two sons, Orlando and Harrison, and her sister, Pippa, and brother, Nick.
Another tragic revelation comes from the Australian entertainment industry.
Renowned TV personality Leslie Dayman has passed away on October 20. He was 85 years old.
The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
His remarkable acting prowess was showcased across the screens of E Street, Homicide, and Prisoner. His former co-star, Mez Howard, confirmed his passing.
In the wake of this profound loss, Howard remarked: 'Rest in Peace, beautiful Les Dayman. Couldn’t have wished for a better on-screen dad in my E Street days.' Their on-screen chemistry was a direct product of their off-screen bond, as evidenced by Howard stating that Dayman’s eyes reminded her of her father's eyes, elevating their on-screen relationship.
Dayman’s father, an eminent VFL footballer sharing the same name, had a significant influence on his early life. However, a then-young Leslie carved his niche in the world of acting, becoming an unforgettable part of hit television dramas, including Sons and Daughters.
One of the most recognisable chapters in his career was as Senior Sergeant George Sullivan in the beloved series E Street. Dayman’s enchanting performances lured the attention of viewers across Australia, making him a favourite screen presence across households—a testament to the irrefutable charm of Dayman’s performances.
Speaking of charm and effect, Leslie recounted an amusing anecdote concerning him and fellow actor Brian Wenzel. Dayman gleefully recalled how they were often mistaken for each other due to their similar roles and origin from Adelaide.
'We’re about the same age, both playing police sergeants in small communities—we both came from Adelaide in South Australia, where we were in amateur theatre back in the early ‘60s', narrated Leslie, recounting his journey with immense fondness.
Leslie Dayman's career illuminates the realm of Australian television with a legacy punctuated with compelling roles, memorable performances, and sheer dedication.
Our thoughts are with Haydn Gwynne’s and Leslie Dayman’s family, friends, and colleagues during these difficult times. May they rest in peace.
Revered British actress Haydn Gwynne passed away on October 20th at age 66 after a battle with cancer.
On the same day, renowned TV personality Leslie Dayman bid his adieu to the world at the age of 85.
Gwynne’s agent confirmed the news saying: 'It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday, 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family, and friends.'
'We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks.'
Haydn Gwynne passed away at age 66 due to cancer. Image source: Facebook / Royal Shakespeare Company, Helen Maybanks.
Gwynne was perhaps best known for her role as Lady Susan Hussey in the hit Netflix series The Crown, though her decades-long career on stage and screen cemented her status as a national treasure.
Born in Sussex in 1957, Haydn Gwynne studied sociology at the University of Nottingham. She then spent five years teaching English as a foreign language at the University of Rome La Sapienza in Italy.
Early roles on British television included feminist lecturer Dr Robyn Penrose in the BBC miniseries dramatisation of David Lodge’s Nice Work in 1989.
She then appeared on the science-fiction series Time Riders (1991) as Dr. B. B. Miller and Peak Practice (1993) as Dr Joanna Graham.
Haydn was also praised for her role as Alex Pates in the show Drop the Dead Donkey.
Apart from The Crown, Haydn also played Camilla in The Windsors alongside Harry Enfield.
Outside of TV shows, Haydn appeared in a string of theatre productions such as Hedda Gabler and City of Angels.
The actress also earned a BAFTA and Tony Award nomination for her role in the West End Musical Billy Elliot, where she played the titular character’s dance teacher.
Haydn was set to return to the stage last month but was forced to pull out after being diagnosed with cancer.
Tributes to the beloved actress have poured on social media.
'Thinking of her family, friends & all those who will miss this fiercely talented lady,' said the Sondheim Society, a UK-based charity.
Actor Ian McKellen also shared his thoughts saying: 'From Billy Elliott onstage to The Windsors and so much more onscreen, Haydn Gwynne was a total original. Every performance was matchless.'
Source: X/@JoshHandleyy.
Source: X/@mrcarl_woodward.
Source: X/@GeorgieWestall.
Haydn is survived by her two sons, Orlando and Harrison, and her sister, Pippa, and brother, Nick.
Another tragic revelation comes from the Australian entertainment industry.
Renowned TV personality Leslie Dayman has passed away on October 20. He was 85 years old.
The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
His remarkable acting prowess was showcased across the screens of E Street, Homicide, and Prisoner. His former co-star, Mez Howard, confirmed his passing.
Rest in peace, Leslie Dayman. Image source: Facebook.
In the wake of this profound loss, Howard remarked: 'Rest in Peace, beautiful Les Dayman. Couldn’t have wished for a better on-screen dad in my E Street days.' Their on-screen chemistry was a direct product of their off-screen bond, as evidenced by Howard stating that Dayman’s eyes reminded her of her father's eyes, elevating their on-screen relationship.
Dayman’s father, an eminent VFL footballer sharing the same name, had a significant influence on his early life. However, a then-young Leslie carved his niche in the world of acting, becoming an unforgettable part of hit television dramas, including Sons and Daughters.
One of the most recognisable chapters in his career was as Senior Sergeant George Sullivan in the beloved series E Street. Dayman’s enchanting performances lured the attention of viewers across Australia, making him a favourite screen presence across households—a testament to the irrefutable charm of Dayman’s performances.
Speaking of charm and effect, Leslie recounted an amusing anecdote concerning him and fellow actor Brian Wenzel. Dayman gleefully recalled how they were often mistaken for each other due to their similar roles and origin from Adelaide.
'We’re about the same age, both playing police sergeants in small communities—we both came from Adelaide in South Australia, where we were in amateur theatre back in the early ‘60s', narrated Leslie, recounting his journey with immense fondness.
Leslie Dayman's career illuminates the realm of Australian television with a legacy punctuated with compelling roles, memorable performances, and sheer dedication.
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