Trailblazing actress Cleo Sylvestre has passed away at the age of 79, her agent has confirmed. Sylvestre was a pioneer in the entertainment industry, being the first black actress to play a leading role at the National Theatre and to have a regular leading role in a UK soap opera, Crossroads.
Throughout her career, Sylvestre appeared in various TV series, including Grange Hill and the Channel 5 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small. She also had a brief singing career, releasing a version of To Know Him is to Love Him in 1964, with The Rolling Stones as her backing singers.
Sylvestre’s impact on the industry was profound, with Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger expressing his sadness at the passing of his “old friend” and the “first female vocalist to sing with the Stones.”
Born in April 1945, Sylvestre grew up and was educated in Camden, north London. She made her West End debut in 1967 and went on to have a successful career in both theater and television, working with acclaimed directors like Ken Loach.
In 2023, Sylvestre was honored with an MBE for her contributions to drama and charity. Her agent confirmed her passing on Friday morning, stating that she will be remembered as a trailblazer and a true friend.
Playwright and author Bonnie Greer led the tributes to Sylvestre on Twitter, highlighting her impact on the theater industry and as a black woman in the arts. Sylvestre’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the entertainment world.
