Her death was reported by the Harlow Theatre Company, where she had been a member since 1978.
Joanna Bacon, the British character actress most known for playing Natalie’s mother (Martine McCutcheon) in Love Actually, has died. She was 72.
The actress’ talent agency, The Artists Partnership, confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly in a statement on Thursday.
“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of our beloved client, Joanna Bacon,” the headline said. “Joanna was not just a wonderful actress who brought sincerity and brilliance to every part, but she was also a kind and giving friend who impacted the lives of so many people both on and off film. We are honored to have represented Joanna for decades and will appreciate the time we spent working together. “Our thoughts are with Joanna’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
While the agency did not reveal the cause of her death, the Harlow Theatre Company stated in its own press release that Bacon died on June 14 after a “short and brave battle against cancer.”
“Many of our members will remember Jo and her force of nature, her wit, her fun, her passion and her natural ability as an actor,” the theater’s press release stated. “She joined Harlow Theatre Company at its establishment in 1978. She played legendary parts in numerous plays at the Harlow Playhouse, including Portia in The Merchant of Venice, Maddie in Dirty Linen, and Beverly in Abigail’s Party, as well as reviews, musicals, and pantomimes.
Bacon, who was born in London, was inspired to leave her job at Longmans Publishing and pursue a career in acting after attending the Actors Institute. She immediately rose to prominence, starring in a number of regional theater plays, beginning with the Harlow Theatre Company and progressing to prestigious parts at the Hampstead Theatre, the Sheffield Crucible, Stratford East, and the National Theatre.
She transitioned from stage to cinema in the 1990s, playing Babs in a 1991 episode of the British comedy series Perfect Scoundrels. Over the next three decades, Bacon appeared in popular British television shows such as EastEnders, Murder Prevention, Him & Her, Casualty, Holby City, and Berkeley Square.
Her most recent performances include Jackie on the British comedy series Breeders, opposite Martin Freeman, and Phyllis Chandler in Moonflower Murders, co-starring Lesley Manville for PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre.
In a statement to EW, Freeman stated, “Joanna was a delightful person, smart and funny company, with a razor sharp and always on point comic sensibility.” She was a valued member of our Breeders family, and we felt so fortunate to have her. “She will be missed by many.”
Bacon is perhaps more known to American viewers for her role as Natalie’s enthusiastic mother in Richard Curtis’ popular Christmas rom-com, Love Actually. Her film credits also include Last Orders, Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla, Easy Virtue, A Quiet Passion, and She Will.
The Harlow Theatre Company’s statement continued, “Jo will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.” She continued to support HTC by attending many of our productions. She would sit in the front row with a notebook, observing with a critical eye and a passion for theatre. She never failed to compliment our efforts. Thanks, Jo. “RIP, Darling!”
