Actress Joanna Bacon, best known for her roles in “Love Actually” and the British soap opera “EastEnders,” has died at age 72.
Bacon lost her “short and brave” battle to cancer on June 14 — six months after her diagnosis. A funeral was held for the actress on July 15, the UK-based Harlow Theatre Company announced.
“It is with much sadness that we inform our HTC members past and present of the passing of Jo Bacon on June 14th following a short and brave battle against cancer,” the theater company said in a statement.
“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. She became a member of Harlow Theatre Company at its inception in 1978.”
“She appeared in many plays in iconic roles such as Portia in The Merchant of Venice, Maddie in Dirty Linen and Beverly in Abigail’s Party along with reviews, musicals and pantomimes all at the Harlow Playhouse,” the statement concluded.
Bacon boasted a slew of TV credits in the UK, including the hit soap “EastEnders,” “Casualty,” “Prime Suspect,” “The Bill” and “Little Britain” — though she notably secured a role in the hit 2003 film “Love Actually.”
In the film, Bacon portrayed the mother of Natalie (played by Martine McCutcheon) and appeared in a memorable scene alongside Hugh Grant in which his character shows up at her door in an attempt to win her back.
More recently, Bacon starred alongside “Sex and the City” star Cynthia Nixon in the 2016 film “A Quiet Passion,” as well as the hit TV show “Breeders” in which she played the role of Jackie, the mother of Martin Freeman’s character, Paul.
Bacon quickly became a fan favorite in the series, which ran from 2020 to 2023. During the show’s four seasons, the actress was showered with praise for her dark comedy performance.
Bacon’s loved ones paid tribute to her at the poignant funeral service held in the UK on Tuesday.
“Jo will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. She continued to support HTC attending many of our productions,” the theater company said.
“She would settle herself in the front row with a notebook and watched with a critical eye and her passion for theatre. She never forgot to praise our work.”
Speaking in early 2025, shortly after receiving her cancer diagnosis, Bacon said she has been fortunate enough to have had a “brilliant life.”
“I have been so lucky to do the things I have done and to have met the wonderful people I have met. I have no regrets,” she said.
