Eileen Pollock, star of sitcom ‘Bread’, dies aged 73

Irish actress Eileen Pollock, best known for playing Lilo Lil in 1980s sitcom Bread, has died at the age of 73. Her family confirmed the news in a statement and said she died peacefully in her London home on December 19, The Independent reports.

“Your beauty, laughter and loving eyes gave joy to all,” her family reportedly said.

Eileen starred in a number of films throughout her career, such as Far And Away in 1992 and Angela’s Ashes in 1999, but she was best known for playing Lilo Lil in the popular television series, which ran from 1986 to 1991.

Fans and friends have since taken to social media to pay their respects, with her agents ANA Actors leading the way.

“At the end of such a hard year, we regret to announce another sad loss to our ANA family – the wonderful Eileen Pollock – or Polly to her friends,” they tweeted.

“Polly was a hugely loved and well known talent of stage and screen both here and in Ireland – working with some of the biggest names in film like Ron Howard and Mike Leigh, but perhaps will most famously be remembered for making us all chuckle as series regular Lilo Lil in Bread.

“We send our love to all who knew Polly – she was truly a powerhouse of an actor, with huge generosity and spirit. We will miss our dear friend and will always remember her as our wonderful, witty, brilliant, Belfast girl!”

Fans have also shared their condolences online, with Twitter user @HowardGrottles writing: “Totally shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of a wonderful Actor & friend. So many memories of dear Eileen Pollock. RIP darling.”

Meanwhile @KennedyLoulou added: “She was maybe best known for Lilo Lil, but Eileen Pollock was a fine actor. I saw her in Stewart Parker’s Pentecost at the Lyric in 1987. A brilliant performance.”

And @talkhard tweeted: “‘She is a tart!’… this rang in my ears for most of my youth, lucky enough to see the sitcom and watch the seductive Lilo Lil and Freddy Bosworth get up to all sorts… rest easy Eileen and thank you for the memories.”