Absolutely Fabulous star Dame June Whitfield dies aged 93

Absolutely Fabulous star Dame June Whitfield has died at the age of 93.

The London-born actress, who is known famously for her extensive appearance on television and radio, passed away peacefully on Friday night, the BBC reports.

Whitfield has been a regular on television screens across the world for six decades, well-known for her roles on Carry On films, Hancock’s Half Hour, Absolutely Fabulous and Friends.

Many friends and fans have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories of working alongside the great actress.

TV producer Jon Plowman was one of the first to share the news and express his sadness after hearing of Whitfield’s passing.

“Very sad at the news of the death of the wonderful June Whitfield,” he wrote. “There was no-one with more warmth or a better ability to just ‘place’ a line, always an act of utter precision.

https://twitter.com/bimpsonbun1/status/1079080063004536832

“Hit after hit! Take it from Here Terry and June Absolutely Fabulous over seven decade [sic]. A great loss.”

British actor Mike Grady followed suit, calling Whitfield a “delightful actress” that he is proud to have worked with.

“My lovely colleague of several years, June Whitfield has died,” he posted on Twitter. “A delightful actress, full of humour and serious, uncluttered talent.

“Deepest condolences to her family and close chums. What a life she had. What an all encompassing career. So proud to have known her, even a little.”

My lovely colleague of several years, June Whitfield has died. A delightful Actress, full of humour and serious, uncluttered talent. Deepest condolences to her family and close chums. What a life she had. What an all encompassing career. So proud to have known her, even a little.

— MIKE GRADY (@MikeGradysez) December 29, 2018

While a fan added: “RIP June Whitfield. Have loved you in so many things but as Edina’s mother you made me laugh so many times. You will be missed greatly. The sky has gained another shining star. You truly were absolutely fabulous!”

Whitfield’s career first began in the 1940s with a stint of television and radio appearances. She featured in the London production Ace of Clubs and South Pacific. Over the course of her life she appeared in over 1,300 radio and TV shows.

In 1992, her fame rose again as she featured on the British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous as lead character Edina’s sarcastic and thieving mother.

While she was meant to just appear in on episode fans loved her so much that she continued on with the show, becoming one of the most popular characters.

Her age didn’t hold her back either, featuring on the BBC show EastEnders at the age of 89. Three years later at the age of 92, she became a dame.

Do you remember watching June Whitfield on TV?