Famed Actress Dies

Photo byFelix MooneeramonUnsplash

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of one of their one as the star of several British hit movies and groundbreaking films has died at the age of 89, according to her family.

Actress Sylvia Syms, who was a major part of British filmmaking in the 1950s and 1960s, reportedly died today, January 27th, according to an announcement made by the actress' family. She reportedly "died peacefully" at a retirement home for entertainers.

“She has lived an amazing life and gave us joy and laughter right up to the end,” children Beatie and Ben Edney, said in a statement, per the Associated Press. “Just yesterday we were reminiscing together about all our adventures. She will be so very missed.”

Born in 1934, Syms broke out as an actress in the 1958 hit movie "Ice Cold in Alex," where she starred opposite John Mills in the World War II film. The next year, she appeared in another successful film, the rock musical "Expresso Bongo," where she starred alongside Laurence Harvey and Cliff Richard.

She also appeared in the groundbreaking 1961 film, "Victim," where Syms appeared as the wife of a closeted gay lawyer. The film was the first British film to openly feature homosexuality.

She went on to appear in numerous films and television shows throughout her career, including playing the role of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the 1991 TV film “Thatcher: The Final Days," and as Queen Mother Elizabeth, mother of Queen Elizabeth II played by Helen Mirren, in the award-winning film, "The Queen."

She was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II that following year.

Sylvia Syms is survived by two children; a daughter and a son.

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