Grange Hill star Cleo Sylvestre, 79, dies as tributes paid to history-making actress

Pioneering actress Cleo Sylvestre, known for being the first black actress to take on a leading role at the National Theatre and in the UK soap opera Crossroads, has passed away at 79, her agent confirmed.

In a statement confirming Sylvestre's death this morning, her agent told the BBC: "Much-loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a trail blazer and a true friend. She will be sorely missed by so many. We ask that you respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time."

Her daughter Zoe Palmer paid tribute on Twitter this afternoon, telling her followers: "Our beloved, inspirational mum @CleoSylvestre crossed over this morning. With thanks to the teams @NHSHomerton and #therlh who cared for her so brilliantly over the past three weeks. Rest in power mum, see you on the dancefloor."

Throughout her career, Sylvestre made appearances in popular TV series such as Grange Hill and the recent Channel 5 revival of All Creatures Great and Small. Her agency, Fulcrum Talent, expressed to BBC News that she will be "sorely missed by so many". Aside from acting, Sylvestre had a stint in music, releasing 'To Know Him is to Love Him' in 1964 with The Rolling Stones backing her vocally. She had become acquainted with the iconic band during a blues night in Soho.

Just last month, Sylvestre was featured on The Antiques Roadshow reminiscing about her experiences with the famed rock'n'roll group. The late star promoted her appearance on the BBC series on her official Twitter page. She also starred in ITV series Platform 7, telling followers on 26th August, "AFTER @BBC_ARoadshow yesterday , am also in some episodes of this" as she shared reviews of the drama.

Paying tribute to the late actress on social media today, playwright Bonnie Greer wrote on Twitter: "The actor #CleoSylvestreMBE has crossed over. She was one of the reasons that-from my vantage point in NYC-that I thought that this country has the best anglophone theatre ..and the best place to be a #BlackWoman in it. I still think that. Thank you, Cleo!"

One fan shared a selection of pictures of Sylvestre as they wrote: "RIP Cleo Sylvestre. One of the first black actresses to have a role in a British Soap. Crossroads in the 1960s #cleosylvestre @motelcrossroads Sad to hear this. Pity known of her episodes are available to see from Crossroads." Another added: "The wonderful Cleo Sylvestre MBE died early this morning 1945-2024. Despite a very challenging upbringing she walked out into the limelight as an actress and singer who radiated modest charm and joy wherever she went. She will be greatly missed."

Born in April 1945, Sylvestre was raised and educated in Camden, north London. She embarked on an acting career and made her West End debut at Wyndham's Theatre in Simon Gray's 1967 play Wise Child. Sylvestre made history as the first black woman to take a leading role in a National Theatre production when she starred in Peter Nichols' satire The National Health in 1969.

Her television credits include roles in popular series such as Till Death Do Us Part, Doctors, Coronation Street, The Bill, New Tricks and Doctor Who, as well as a regular part in school drama Grange Hill. Film credits include My Lover My Son (1970), Till Death Us Do Part (1969), Kidulthood (2006) and Paddington (2014).

She frequently collaborated with Ken Loach, appearing in his debut film Poor Cow and later in Cathy Come Home and Up the Junction. After featuring in Some Women, a dramatisation of real-life stories from imprisoned women aired on BBC Two, she was noticed by TV producer Reg Watson, who cast her in ITV's Crossroads. In the soap opera, she portrayed Meg Richardson's adopted daughter Melanie from 1970 to 1972. At its peak, Crossroads attracted about 15 million viewers, catapulting Sylvestre into the national spotlight.

Sylvestre was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to drama and charity. She married Ian Palmer in 1977 and welcomed three children into the world together before divorcing in 1995; writer and TV presenter Zoe, Lucy and Rupert Palmer.

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