Trailblazing actress Cleo Sylvestre dies aged 79

Cleo Sylvestre, the pioneering actress who broke barriers in British theatre and television, has passed away at the age of 79, as confirmed by her agent. Sylvestre made history as the first Black actress to take on a leading role at the National Theatre and to feature regularly in a UK soap opera, notably in “Crossroads.”

Her impressive career spanned numerous television series, including iconic roles in “Grange Hill” and the Channel 5 reboot of “All Creatures Great and Small.” Sylvestre’s contributions to the arts did not go unnoticed; Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones expressed his sorrow over her passing, describing her as an “old friend” and the first female vocalist to perform with the band. Sylvestre had a brief but notable singing career, during which she released a version of “To Know Him is to Love Him” in 1964, featuring The Rolling Stones as her backing singers, a collaboration that began when she met them at a blues night in Soho.

Reflecting on her experiences, Sylvestre recounted how her mother would cook for the band, inviting them to their home. “The Stones were always around, especially Brian [Jones] and Mick [Jagger],” she recalled in a PBS interview. “We lived in a council flat with a tiny little kitchen, and she’d do meals for 15 people.”

Sir Mick paid tribute to Sylvestre via Instagram, sharing a black-and-white photograph of her alongside the band and writing, “So sad to hear of the passing of my old friend, the actress and singer Cleo Sylvestre, the first female vocalist to sing with the Stones.” Her agency, Fulcrum Talent, also expressed their condolences, stating she would be “sorely missed by so many.”

Born in April 1945, Sylvestre was raised in Camden, north London, where she developed her passion for acting. She made her West End debut at Wyndham’s Theatre in 1967 with “Wise Child,” penned by Simon Gray. Her groundbreaking performance came in 1969 when she became the first Black woman to hold a leading role in a National Theatre production, appearing in Peter Nichols’ satirical play “The National Health.”

Sylvestre’s television credits are extensive and include appearances in popular shows like “Till Death Do Us Part,” “Doctors,” “Coronation Street,” “The Bill,” “New Tricks,” and “Doctor Who.” She also became well-known for her role in “Grange Hill,” where she portrayed a regular character, further solidifying her presence in British television.

Her collaborations with acclaimed director Ken Loach were significant in her career, contributing to films like “Poor Cow,” as well as television dramas such as “Cathy Come Home” and “Up the Junction.” Following her performance in “Some Women,” a BBC Two dramatization of real-life stories from incarcerated women, Sylvestre caught the attention of ITV producer Reg Watson, who cast her as Melanie, the adopted daughter of Meg Richardson, in the soap opera “Crossroads.” Her role from 1970 to 1972 introduced her to a national audience, with the show attracting around 15 million viewers at its peak.

In recognition of her contributions to drama and charity, Sylvestre was appointed an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours. Her death was announced with deep regret by her agent, who confirmed that she passed away on Friday morning. The statement added, “Much-loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a trailblazer and a true friend. She will be sorely missed by so many.”

Playwright and author Bonnie Greer led tributes on Twitter, reflecting on Sylvestre’s impact: “The actor #CleoSylvestreMBE has crossed over. She was one of the reasons that – from my vantage point in NYC – I thought that this country has the best anglophone theatre, and the best place to be a black woman in it. I still think that. Thank you, Cleo!”

Cleo Sylvestre leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a groundbreaking actress and a beloved figure in the arts, inspiring generations to come.