Lynda Baron (1939–2022)

British actress Lynda Baron, who appeared as Stella Deems in the 1987 London premiere of Follies at the Shaftesbury Theatre, has died at the age of 82.

Baron featured alongside Julia McKenzie, Diana Rigg and Daniel Massey in Follies and led the mirror number, "Who's That Woman?" Other stage roles included Rose Hovick in Gypsy at the Everyman, choreographed by Bill Deamer.

Baron was perhaps best known for her role as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel alongside Ronnie Barker and David Jason in the BBC TV sitcom Open All Hours, which ran between 1976 and 1985. Her many other TV credits included Doctor Who, Last of the Summer Wine, Coronation Street, Fat Friends, Dinner Ladies, The Bill and Citizen Khan.

Her agent of 30 years, Donna French, said:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved client Lynda Baron. She was a wonderful actress and a great friend. Her iconic roles of Nurse Gladys in Open All Hours and Aunt Mabel in Come Outside were loved by all generations. Renowned for her leading roles in West End musicals and dramatic productions alike, we have lost a leading light of our world. We extend our deepest condolences to her daughter Sarah, her son Morgan and all her family.”