British actress Stephanie Cole has died at the age of 84 following complications from Alzheimer's disease, her representative confirmed on Friday.
Her press agent, John Grant, confirmed the news in a statement sent to Deadline. Cole, who was born in Solihull in England, had lived with the condition for several years and had stepped away from television work as a result.
Grant paid tribute to Cole's long and distinguished career across theatre and television, calling her an extraordinary talent. He said she brought joy to millions of people through her many beloved roles in sitcoms and dramas.
He also highlighted her tireless dedication to charitable causes, noting that she would be remembered for her work in support of mental health charities.
Television breakthrough and Open All Hours
Cole trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School before securing her breakthrough television role in the mid-1980s. She starred as Dr Beatrice Mason in Tenko, the acclaimed BBC television drama depicting the lives of British women held in Singapore following the Japanese invasion during the Second World War.
Shortly after that success, Cole joined the cast of the popular BBC comedy Open All Hours, written by Roy Clarke and starring Ronnie Barker. She played Mrs Featherstone, a formidable regular customer known affectionately to audiences as the Black Widow.
The series, which focused on the daily life of a miserly shopkeeper, became one of the most famous comedies produced by the broadcaster. In 2013, Cole returned to the character for the sequel series, Still Open All Hours.
Her extensive television career also included memorable appearances in Talking Heads, A Bit of a Do, Keeping Mum, Doc Martin, and the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street.
Theatre career and family
Alongside her television success, Cole maintained a prominent presence on the British stage. She made her theatrical debut playing the eccentric medium Madame Arcati in Noël Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit, a part she later revived in theatres.
Her stage credits also included performances in the long-running West End murder mystery The Mousetrap, the theatre farce Noises Off, and A Passionate Woman.
Grant asked for privacy on behalf of the family and did not disclose details regarding how or where the funeral will take place.
Cole was previously married to fellow actor Peter Birrel, who died in mid-2004. She is survived by one daughter from an earlier relationship, who does not work in the public eye.
