EastEnders icon June Brown has passed away at the age of 95. Known for her role as chain-smoking Dot Cotton on the long-running soap, the BBC announced today (April 4) that June passed away surrounded by her family at her home in Surrey yesterday.
Since June's death was announced today, tributes have poured in for the much-loved actress, whose character Dot left EastEnders in January 2020 after going to Ireland. Fans, friends and other celebrities have left lovely messages in memory of June, who enjoyed a highly-successful career as an actress.
June's portrayal of Dot is her most memorable role, but the actress also starred in films such as Misunderstood, The Prince and the Pauper, and Sitting Target. Fans of June have also commented on the iconic pop culture moment that took place on The Graham Norton Show in 2013 when she and Lady Gaga formed an unlikely yet amazing friendship.
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Actor Stephen Fry paid tribute to June Brown on Twitter. He said: "June Brown, amongst all her other wonderful human qualities and achievements, will be remembered as a tireless and fearless LGBT ally - especially during the darkest days of HIV/AIDS and Section 28… it was a privilege to know her."
Comedian and The Masked Singer judge Mo Gilligan wrote: "RIP June Brown honestly this woman’s career was amazing. If you grew up in an estate there was always a Dot Cotton. Absolute iconic character in EastEnders"
"RIP June Brown, 95," wrote former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan, "A wonderfully talented actress whose long-time portrayal of irascible fag-puffing Dot Cotton in EastEnders was one of the all-time great performances in British Television. June was such a funny, feisty, fabulous lady off screen too. Very sad news."
Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar on EastEnders, said: "A very sad day. I never had the pleasure of meeting/working with the mighty June Brown - but we adored watching her on the telly box.
"What a legacy June leaves behind. #EastEnders would not have been the same without her. Love & strength to #EastEnders & June's loved ones. RIP"
Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp, who played Steve Owen in EastEnders, said: "June Brown.. I was such a very small part of your 35 years at EastEnders but you were a massive part of my time there. Such a huge inspiration.
"I am so glad our paths crossed. Rest in Peace June love goes out to your family and everyone at Enders that I know are hurting right now."
Another of June's EastEnders' co-stars, Cheryl Fergison, paid a touching tribute to the beloved late actress. Cheryl, who played Heather Trott, wrote on Instagram: "Beautiful Beautiful June. Thank you for always being such a wonderful Lady and for teaching me so much . You were funny , gracious , kind and such a talent. Goodnight & God Bless."
The actress’s 35-year run as the Albert Square mainstay began in 1985. Before she left the show in 2020, Brown was perhaps EastEnders’ best-known star and larger-than-life character. Dot was known for her devout Christian faith and hypochondria, as well as her endless cigarette addiction.
The veteran actress, who had a long career in television and theatre, arrived on Albert Square shortly after the soap began in 1985, and aside from a break between 1993 and 1997, was a regular for more than three decades. On January 31, 2008 she single-handedly starred in an episode called Pretty Baby, in which she spoke to a cassette recorder about her life so that her husband could listen to it as he lay in hospital following a stroke.
Brown served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service at the end of the Second World War, and then left to train at London’s Old Vic Theatre School in Lambeth. Before joining EastEnders she had roles in Coronation Street, Doctor Who, Minder and The Bill, as well as costume dramas The Duchess Of Duke Street and Oliver Twist.
A statement from Brown’s family said: “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. We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
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