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‘EastEnders’ Beloved June Brown Passes Away at 95
Actress June Brown, who for over three decades played Dot Cotton on the long-running UK soap, EastEnders has died.
Brown, passed away yesterday on April 3rd at the age of 95. No cause of death has been reported.
Back in 2020, Brown decided to quit EastEnders after no longer getting as much story. June first joined EastEnders in July 1985, as the mother of criminal, Nick Cotton. She left at one point for four years between 1993-1997 and took six months leave in 2012, but throughout the soaps run remained popular.
The BBC twitter Account posted on Sunday, “We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side.”
In a statement, a rep for EastEnders shared: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE sadly passed away last night. There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten. June created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton, not just in soap but in British television, and having appeared in 2,884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders’ finest moments.”
June also racked up some awards for her performance of Dot through the years: She was a two-time British Soap Awards winner, recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award and earned a BAFTA Award nomination for her work.
So, did you watch June on EastEnders? Saddened by her passing? Comment below.
1/3 From Emma Barton: “Working with June was like being part of an acting masterclass of dreams. The way she coloured every line, choreographed her movement to perfection, she knew exactly how she was going to deliver her scenes… pic.twitter.com/Vy1mYGZx4g
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) April 4, 2022
During last week’s Oscar telecast, I clocked the vocabulary-challenged Laverne Cox and her colleagues use the word “iconic” over 40 times, often describing people under 30. Well, folks, here’s the passing of an icon who earned the title. June Brown was a staple in British acting, always good for a laugh or a cutting remark. She’ll be missed.
Brilliant character and fantastic actress. Dot, Ethel and Lou Beale, powerhouses of EastEnders and Albert Square R.I.P.
What about Walford’s “Powerful P Troika” of Pauline, Peggy and Pat? Eastenders has never been the same since they lost the late Wendy Richard and Barbara Windsor, not to mention, the still much alive and kicking Pam St. Clement! I loved it when those three deeply-determined dames mixed it up, which was pretty much constantly! As for Miss Brown, I’ll never forget her skillfully oddball portrayal of that scary-looking, bible-spouting, chain-smoking Dot Cotton. Such a dichotomy….on one hand an extremely pious, disciplined Christian whose hair rollers always seemed to be wound far too tightly and on the other hand, a total nicotine fiend completely reliant upon her copious consumption of daily smokes. A true exercise in contradictions….At first, Dot was an extremely brittle, unlikable character, but with time, June Brown made her not only viewer-friendly, but actually beloved, by infusing her with a simultaneous sense of dark humor and vulnerability. She will be missed!
Excellent analysis, Shay. Yes, the days of Peggy, Pat and Pauline mixing it up in various combinations were glorious. And June Brown had that skill that’s hard to come by in making Dot beloved without changing the fundamentals of her personality — just giving the character more depth than the script’s words conveyed.
Thank you, hollyoaksboi! Yes, June Brown had that most special ability to make Dot even at her worst and sometimes hateful self to be not disliked but rather pitied…until later when she became a much more lovable and sympathetic figure for the viewer. (How could she not be when she so suffered over such a reprehensible reprobate son like Nick Cotton? He was the worst of the worst!) I’ve always wondered if Dot was originally envisaged by her creators as smoking like a chimney or if Miss Brown’s own self-proclaimed love of the ciggies brought that particular aspect to her purely peculiar character??? As far as those “glorious” days of the “Walford Three,” I have to admit I was pretty partial to the punch-packing Pat and Peggy when they fought over the affections of that cad, Frank Butcher!!!! It was such a sight to see the diminutive Babs Windsor holding her own against the more physically formidable Pam St. Clement….they certainly gave Krystle and Alexis a run for their money in the catfighting department! Later, it was that shared history which made Peggy’s swan song all the more poignant when she decided to end her own life after receiving her dementia diagnosis and who was there to comfort and guide her to the afterlife but her longtime frenemy, Pat??? Such a touching ending to Miss Windsor’s larger-than-life character whose eternal catchphrase,“Get outta my pub!” still resonates to this day! (And how ironic that we actually lost that British acting legend to the same malady which afflicted her famous Eastenders’ persona….) Alas, that sad scenario was the last I actually watched in its entirety…I still read in the UK press of the goings-on in Walford, but as with so many of the soaps here “across the pond,” I am content to keep my nostalgic memories of the superb storylines and classic characters of the past and ignore the less superior state of the present.
It can’t be overestimated how much of a British institution this actress and her character were. If you said to anyone in the UK…”She’s just like Dot Cotton,” they knew exactly what you meant. And getting a BAFTA nomination would nearly be like getting an Oscar nomination … for working in a soap. She was an amazing character actress and will be much missed.
Most people won’t remember, but June Brown gave a deliciously self-centered turn as Viloet Leyton, Louisa Trotter’s (Gemma Jones) aspirational mother in the two season British series The Duchess of Duke Street (on PBS in the States 1977-1978). That series is available to stream on BritBox.
Thanks for the tip, Kit. I have never seen that and will have to look it up. Raise a glass to June Brown while watching!
It’s available on Amazon Prime.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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