According to the WikiTardis page:
"Cleo Sylvestre MBE (born 19 April 1945) played an uncredited
concubine in the Doctor Who television story The Crusade.
(DWM 259) 57 years later, she voiced several characters for
Big Finish Productions."
Grange Hill star and 'trailblazing' actressáCleo Sylvestre dies aged 79
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Cleo Sylvestre, an actress who starred in numerous TV shows and films,
has died aged 79, her agent confirmed.
Sylvestre was known for her roles in hit programmes Doctor Who, Grange
Hill, The Bill, Till Death Do Us Part and New Tricks, while on the big
screen she starred in films including Paddington and Kidulthood.
After a brief appearance in Coronation Street, she became the
first-ever regular black British female character on British TV, in
Crossroads, playing Meg Richardson's adopted daughter Melanie from 1970
to 1972.
Announcing Sylvestre's death this evening, a statement from Fulcrum
Talent said: 'It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad
news that Cleo Sylvestre MBE died this morning.
'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.
'We ask that you respect the privacy of her family at this difficult
time.'
On X, Sylvestre's fans and loved ones paid tribute, including her
daughter Zoe Palmer, who wrote: '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.
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu said: 'Devastated to learn of the death of
Cleo Sylvestre, my wonderful, kind friend. Amongst many activities,
she was a great supporter of the Mary Seacole Statue Appeal.
I cherish this 2016 photo of her dressed as Mary Seacole, at the
unveiling of the memorial statue. Rest well Cleo.'
@GeoffreyMunn1 shared: '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.'
@dearjohnbyrne also added: 'A true legend has left us. RiP to the
kind, courageous & powerfully talented @CleoSylvestre.'
After studying at áItalia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Sylvestre
began her acting career in the theatre, becoming the first Black
actress in a leading role at the National Theatre ináThe National
Healtháin 1969.
Her early TV roles include Ken Roach's 1965 series Up The Junction,
Cathy Come Home and Poor Cow.
Outside of acting, Sylvestre also sang as Cleo with the Rolling
Stones backing her on a cover of To Know Him Is To Love Him in 1964
and continued to be a musician with her blues band Honey B Mama And
Friends.
In 2023, she was at Buckingham Palace as she was made an MBE for
services to drama and charity.
Her most recent screen roles included ITV thriller Platform 7, and
Channel 5's revamp of All Creatures Great And Small.
<
https://metro.co.uk/2024/09/20/grange-hill-star-trailblazing-actress-cleo-sylvestre-dies-aged-79-21644995/>
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