The death of “kind and wonderful” Meg Johnson, who had played Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale since 2003, has been announced in a joint statement from her family and the ITV show.
A joint statement from Meg Johnson’s family, talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and ITV Emmerdale said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that actress Meg Johnson passed away peacefully yesterday evening surrounded by her family.
“Meg was a kind and wonderful lady, full of warmth and always with a twinkle in her eye.
“Meg had an outstanding career that ended with her playing Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale from 2003.
“Meg had dementia for the last few years, but battled on personally and professionally regardless.
“She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.”
Meg made her first appearance on the show in 2003 and had played a recurring character since then.
In the world of Emmerdale, Pearl Ladderbanks was known for her eccentricity, unique fashion sense, and comedic timing. She ws often portrayed as a kind-hearted and well-meaning character, but her actions and words sometimes lead to humorous situations and misunderstandings. Pearl ws known for her distinctive style, which includes colorful outfits, bold accessories, and unconventional hairstyles.
Throughout her time on the show, Pearl was involved in various storylines, ranging from comedic moments to more serious and emotional plots. She had relationships, faced personal challenges, and formed close bonds with other characters in the fictional village.
Meg's first professional acting role wasin 1961, when she was aged 25 in a TV series titled Family Solicitor Subsequent roles included The Referees (1961) and Here's Harry (1961–1964).
She first appeared in a few guest episodes of the ITV soap opera Coronation Street in 1976 as Brenda Holden, before being cast as Eunice Gee in 1981, a role she would play with recurring appearances until 1999.
In the 1980s Johnson worked several times with Victoria Wood, appearing in several episodes of her shows Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV as well as Victoria Wood Presents.
In 1997, she appeared in the West End theatre revival of Chicago as Mama Morton. She has also appeared in theatre productions of Follies and Gypsy.
Then from 2000 to 2003, she appeared in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside as Brigid McKenna.
Later in 2003, Johnson was cast as Pearl Ladderbanks in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, a role she portrayed until March 2020.
